‘Silver tsunami’ of loneliness a killer

Loneliness in old age is twice as damaging as obesity in increasing the chances of an early death, a study has found. University of Chicago Professor of Psychology, John Cacioppo, said extreme loneliness in old age increased the chance of an early death by 14%.

Posted February 18th 2014

by super

Mental Health

Loneliness can disrupt sleep, elevate blood pressure, increase levels of stress hormones, alter the immune system and increase depression – all of which leads to lower overall wellbeing.

“We are experiencing a silver tsunami demographically. The baby boomers are reaching retirement age,” Professor Cacioppo said.

“People have to think about how to protect themselves from depression, low wellbeing and early mortality.”

The role of relationships in older people’s lives is important. Though some are happy to be alone, most thrive in groups that provide mutual support and friendship.

“Older people living alone are not necessarily lonely if they remain socially engaged and enjoy the company of those around them,” he said.

The research was presented at the Science of resilient ageing seminar yesterday (Monday, 17 February), hosted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Chicago.