While the terms are often used interchangeably, they’re not the same. Loneliness is the distressing feeling of being alone or separated. Social isolation is the lack of social contacts and having few people to interact with regularly.
Deeper dive
You can be alone, but not lonely or socially isolated; you can be socially isolated but not feel lonely, according to Carla Perissinotto, M.D., associate chief for geriatric clinical programs, University of California, San Francisco.
The number of adults 65 and older is growing – many are socially isolated and regularly feel lonely. Older adults are at higher risk for social isolation and loneliness due to changes in health and social connections that can come with growing older, hearing, vision, and memory loss, disability, trouble getting around, and/or the loss of family and friends, according to the National Institute on Aging. The coronavirus pandemic worsened this situation, due to health considerations and the need to practice physical distancing.
Those who are socially isolated or lonely are more likely to be admitted to the emergency room or to a nursing home. Social isolation and loneliness also are associated with higher risks for:
- High blood pressure.
- Heart disease.
- Obesity.
- Weakened immune function.
- Anxiety.
- Depression.
- Cognitive decline.
- Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
- Death.
People who are lonely or socially isolated may get too little exercise, drink too much alcohol, smoke, and often don’t sleep well, which can further increase the risk of serious health conditions. They may feel emotional pain, through lack of connection and community, which can change the way they see the world. Lonely or isolated people may become mistrustful or feel threatened. Social isolation and loneliness may also be bad for brain health. Loneliness and social isolation have also been linked to poorer cognitive function and higher risk for dementia, including and especially for Alzheimer’s disease.