About Social Isolation and Loneliness
Social isolation is the quantifiable lack of relationships or infrequent social contact, while loneliness is defined as the perception of feeling alone or disconnected from others (CDC, 2023). Both social isolation and loneliness can have profound impacts on populations and communities.
Social connection is an essential component of chronic disease prevention and health promotion services for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers. Research demonstrates that social isolation and loneliness is strongly associated with poor physical, mental, and cognitive health, including: an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (Valtorta et al., 2016a), hypertension (Harding et al., 2022), diabetes, mental health conditions (Beutel et al., 2017), dementia (Penninkilampi et al., 2018), functional decline (Perissinotto et al., 2012). Individuals experiencing social isolation and loneliness also face an increased risk of mortality, similar to that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2017).
Social connection, which is the degree to which individuals and/or groups have both the objective and subjective number, quality, and diversity of relationships to meet their functional social needs, helps address and prevent the negative impacts of social isolation and loneliness.
Research also finds that social connection contributes to better health and well-being, including decreased risk of disability (James et al., 2011), decreased likelihood of depression (Golden et al., 2009), and better cognitive function (Krueger et al., 2009). Social connection also leads to greater longevity (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010. People that are socially connected are more likely to have healthier behaviors, physical activity, weight management, nutrition, and self-management of chronic disease (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2021).
For more research on the impacts of social isolation, loneliness, and social connection, access Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community and Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for the Health Care System from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.