Are We Living In a Lonely World?

Sharon Moore January 14, 2013

Social isolation is a growing concern in Britain, affecting majority of the elderly population. In an attempt to determine the extent of the problem and the best solutions for it, the Department of Health will be introducing a national measure for loneliness.

Social Isolation and its Cost

Many studies have shown how social isolation can endanger our physical and mental health. In a US study for instance, scientists found that mice which have been socially isolated had a reduction in the myelin – a thin sheet protecting the axons (the signal transmitters between nerve cells) from getting damaged. Another study linked social isolation to a higher risk of morbidity and mortality. Moreover, loneliness is a known factor of stress – the world’s silent killer.

In the UK, social isolation is a major issue particularly among the elderly. Research revealed that more than half of older people in the country live alone, 17% contacted their friends, family and neighbours less than once a week; and 5 million reported that their main form of company is the television. Furthermore, one in three older people admit they sometimes feel lonely.

According to the Office for National Statistics, this will worsen in the coming years.

Loneliness is a condition that is often ignored by many people. But experts consider it as a major problem that has huge financial and health costs. Loneliness encourages people to drink and smoke, and exercise less often. Also, lonely individuals care less about their diet. So even at a younger age, they can get hospitalised for developing serious health problems such as heart disease. Unhealthy lifestyles that arise from loneliness are to blame for the rising demand for social and health care services.

Move to Enhance the National Mood

The government is currently laying down the plan to reduce if not eradicate loneliness in the UK and slash millions from their spending. The data which will be deducted from the national measure for loneliness will be used as basis in formulating the best solutions for the growing malady.

In the official guide on fighting social isolation, the organisation Campaign to End Loneliness said reconnecting individuals to their communities will give renewed access to older people’s economic and social capital. They cited several programmes carried out in some parts of Britain to ward off loneliness and social isolation. In Essex for instance, lonely people were ‘befriended’ by volunteers at £80 per person. But, the local government produced an annual savings of £300 per person through such programme. Another project which involved access to local services at £480 led £900 savings per person.

The thought of growing old, children getting married and moving to farther places, health issues being confronted, hormonal changes that are taking place – these things are only a few of the many reasons why a lot of older people tend to be lonely. By focusing more on the problem of social isolation, Britain could reduce its financial burden and put that gleaming smile back on its people.

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Source of this article:

Is this the loneliest generation?