About a third of Canadians feel lonely, and a study shows it has a greater negative impact on memory than even social isolation, though both present a significant risk to the aging population.
About a third of Canadians feel lonely, and a study from the University of Waterloo shows it has a greater negative impact on memory than even social isolation, though both present a significant risk to the aging population.
Waterloo researchers examined four combinations of social isolation and loneliness and their effect on memory in middle-aged and older adults over a six-year period. These combinations include being socially isolated and lonely, being only socially isolated, being only lonely and being neither. Those who aren't lonely but are socially isolated may be stimulating their mental capacity with solo activities, such as reading, playing games and engaging in hobbies that improve memory and stimulate the brain, despite not engaging in social activities.
"Older adults in the lonely category often have lower incomes than the other groups and may have structural barriers and health conditions preventing them from connecting to their communities," she said."A solution could be to implement transportation or home-visit programs -- something to address the societal issues that lead to them being more isolated.""We would need to know what is causing their loneliness," Kang said.
Memory Social Psychology Dementia Educational Policy Social Issues STEM Education Racial Disparity
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Doctors say loneliness and social isolation should be discussed in health visitsPhysicians are calling for primary care doctors to ask patients about loneliness and social isolation at routine health checks and when managing chronic diseases as emerging research suggests it could be just as important as checking blood pressure, heart health and lifestyle factors for health outcomes.
Read more »
Doctors say loneliness and social isolation should be discussed in health visitsAbout half of all U.S. adults experience loneliness.
Read more »
Short-term loneliness associated with physical health problemsLoneliness may be harmful to our daily health, according to a new study focused on understanding the subtleties of loneliness and how variations in daily feelings of loneliness effect short- and long-term well-being.
Read more »
US surgeon general warns about the dangers of lonelinessAt least one in two U.S. adults is experiencing loneliness, Murthy said.
Read more »
Creating Connections Design Contest at Thanksgiving Square tries to tackle loneliness with designThe Dallas-based nonprofit Better Block challenged teams from across the country to design items to combat loneliness.
Read more »
Better Sleep Tied to Less LonelinessGood quality sleep may have a role in driving down rates of loneliness, especially among younger adults.
Read more »