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- Both loneliness and isolation were associated with poor health outcomes. But social isolation (living alone or not spending time with family and friends) was a stronger predictor of physical decline and early death. Loneliness was more predictive of mental health issues, such as depression or feeling that life had no meaning.
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Are loneliness and social isolation the same thing?
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Dec 1, 2023 · Both loneliness and isolation were associated with poor health outcomes in a 2023 study. However, social isolation was a stronger predictor of physical decline and early death, while loneliness was more predictive of mental health issues, such as depression.
- hhp_info@health.harvard.edu
Loneliness and isolation - understanding the difference and why it matters. Loneliness is not the same as social isolation. People can be isolated (alone) yet not feel lonely. People can be surrounded by other people, yet still feel lonely.
Jul 1, 2022 · Key points. Loneliness and social isolation are often correlated, but they are not one and the same. Loneliness is a subjective feeling. Social isolation is an objective condition. Research...
Jul 1, 2022 · Key points. Loneliness and social isolation are often correlated, but they are not one and the same. Loneliness is a subjective feeling. Social isolation is an objective condition. Research...
- Younger people feel lonelier than older people. When you picture someone who’s lonely, the stereotype is often an older person who lives alone and hardly sees anyone.
- 41% of people think loneliness can be positive. This finding fits in with the ideas of people such as the late neuroscientist John Cacioppo, who believed that we evolved to experience loneliness because it can be useful, even though it’s so unpleasant.
- People who feel lonely have social skills that are no better or worse than average. Sometimes it’s assumed that people feel lonely because they’ve found it hard to make friends and help with improving social skills would make a difference.
- Winter is no lonelier than any other time of year. In the run-up to Christmas, you often see campaigns from charities who help the elderly featuring picture of isolated old people.
Our findings show how many stereotypes about loneliness still persevere, despite people’s understanding of the nuanced causes of loneliness. In particular, people tend to assume that loneliness is about age and physical isolation.
Evidence links perceived loneliness and social isolation with depression, poor sleep quality, impaired executive function, accelerated cognitive decline, poor cardiovascular function and impaired immunity at every stage of life.
