About 33% of Canadians experience loneliness, which has been found to have a more significant negative effect on memory than social isolation. Both loneliness and social isolation pose substantial risks to the elderly population.
Loneliness is a personal feeling that can be present even when surrounded by others. It is often linked with depression and elevated stress hormones that can lead to memory issues.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo studied the impact of different combinations of social isolation and loneliness on memory in middle-aged and elderly individuals over six years. These combinations included individuals who were both socially isolated and lonely, only socially isolated, only lonely, or neither.
The lead author of the study, Ji Won Kang, a PhD candidate at the School of Public Health Sciences at Waterloo, noted that individuals who were both socially isolated and lonely experienced the most significant decline in memory over the six-year period. Surprisingly, those who were only lonely had the second-largest memory impact, emphasizing the importance of addressing loneliness in addition to social isolation.
Individuals who are socially isolated but not lonely may engage in activities like reading, playing games, and pursuing hobbies that stimulate their minds, potentially mitigating memory decline even without social interaction.
The study suggests a need for community programs, particularly for older adults who are both socially isolated and lonely, as they are at the highest risk of memory impairment. Kang emphasized the importance of addressing societal barriers and health conditions that may prevent these individuals from connecting with their communities, suggesting strategies such as transportation or home-visit programs.
For individuals who are solely lonely, understanding the root causes of their loneliness is crucial. Kang highlighted the importance of tailored interventions, such as counseling for those experiencing loneliness due to personal reasons like marital difficulties, even if they have existing social connections.
