Social Isolation and Loneliness Study

Social Isolation and Loneliness Study

Posted on Mar. 31, 2015

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Little Brothers volunteers know full well the effects that loneliness and isolation have on our elders. They are aware of the depression, anxiety, boredom and feelings of being forgotten or unwanted. They can see the correlation between mental health and physical health. They know how big a difference volunteers make in their old friends’ lives just by stopping by for a visit, delivering a meal or calling to check in.

Our supporters also realize the importance of love and friendship. They know that regardless of age everyone deserves to be care for. They know that our old friends need help and that Little Brothers is there when others cannot be. They know that having social companionship, nourishment, transportation to medical appointments and having a friend to call in times of crisis is more than just a nice thing.

Now these truths that members of our Little Brothers family have known for years are becoming hot topics in the news. A major research study published in 2010 has grabbed the public’s attention to effects that social isolation and loneliness play on our health. The results of the study are staggering, and a firm reminder that our volunteers are doing important work. The study compares the damage loneliness and isolation has on a person’s physical health to that of smoking and obesity. It continues to highlight the impact of loneliness on mental health, stating that people who are isolated have a 64% higher chance of developing dementia.

I encourage you all to read the articles below to learn more about the study. Personally, I found them to be motivating. Even though the smiles on our elders’ faces and their grateful words say enough, I hope you find this information validating for all the great work you all do out there in the field.
Thank you to all of our volunteers, friends and supporters for helping relieve isolation and loneliness among our old friends. You’re making a world of difference. We have all seen the positive effects of your work, and now we have the science to back it up.

The Toll of a Solitary Live – NYTimes

Threat to Health – Campaign to End Loneliness 

Holt-Lunstad J, TB, Layton JB. 2010. Social relationships and mortality risk: a meta-analytic review. PLoS Medicine 7 (7) http://www.plosmedicine.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pmed.1000316