Effects of Loneliness and Social Isolation on Human Health

Because the impacts of loneliness and social isolation can affect everyone, the information presented through this presentation is best suited for the entire society. As a result, it is critical to have readily available information that can significantly aid in the prevention of such events. The researcher also intends to have the data published for the benefit of medical practitioners. As a result, the knowledge offered can aid in study on the topic as well as the formulation of solutions to the problem. Therefore, the intended audience of this presentation can be anyone looking to explore more on the effects of loneliness and social isolation can affect anyone. As such, it becomes important to have handy information which can drastically help to prevent these circumstances. It is also the intention of the researcher to have the data published for the audience of medical practitioners. Consequently, the information as provided can help with research in the topic area as well as formulating solutions to address the problem area. Therefore, the intended audience of this presentation can be anyone looking to explore more on the effects of loneliness and social isolation in human health.

Presentation Plan

The objective of this plan is to satisfy the following thesis statement. Research suggests that loneliness and social isolation increase the risk of death because loneliness can lead to depression and the development of chronic illness. To support it, the research will effectively present the following key findings.

Suppression of the Immune System

According to NHS (2015), recent studies have found that loneliness can suppress the abilities of the immune system to function effectively. The research did show that when people are subjected to prolonged loneliness and social isolation, there is an increase in activity in the sympathetic nervous system. It is responsible for what NHS (2015) terms as “fight or flight” response. The result of it is the overstimulation of white blood cells development, but in a negative manner. Ideally, these cells are responsible for fighting illness, but when they are overstimulated to develop, they become inflammatory, which is a negative response to the immune system. Furthermore, there is also the decline in antiviral protein production (NHS, 2015). When it happens, the body is not in a position to effectively fight of illness, and it is how loneliness and social isolation impact the immune system to increase mortality amongst victims.

Chronic Diseases

The human body is designed to be able to detect and fight illness of various kinds. Chronic diseases are, however, more of a challenge. They can be fatal in nature; it is why preventing their occurrence is the best option rather than curing. Prolonged loneliness for persons over the age of 65 has shown to increase the risks of chronic diseases (Community Development Halton, 2016). The reason behind it is the association with the body’s ability to respond to the illness. Studies show that persons who constantly are alone do not always have their systems functioning at 100%, given the psychological effects associated with loneliness. As such, their bodies do not respond appropriately to treatment or fighting chronic diseases. Community Development Halton (2016) is also of the opinion that being socially isolated from community increases the risks of chronic illness, because individuals tend to notice a change in each other. The more people interact with others, the more the chances for them to be in a position to note a shift in behavior, thus bringing it to attention. Therefore, it can be explained that when persons over the age of 65 are alone, they might not notice the changes someone else could while interacting with them.

Psychological Impact

According to Porter (2017), social isolation is known to have increased the risk of death by approximately 30%, while other studies put it at 60%. To be socially isolated basically means to constantly be alone or have a very limiting social networking cycle. However, the problem lies in being lonely, whereby there are people who are known to keep very small circles, but are not lonely, and there are those who are just lonely even when in the company of others. The key point here is, therefore, the psychological impact that social isolation leads to which is loneliness. When an individual is lonely, as Porter (2017) explains, their risk of dying is increased because of mental states such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. The latter is thus the reason as to why more and more people who are lonely are considered to be at risk, as they find it easier to be suicidal. Regular interaction with other individuals increases positive psychological wellbeing. Therefore, social isolation can lead to loneliness, which further increases the risk of death due to depression and suicidal thoughts.

Conclusion

It is true that loneliness and social isolation are societal problems that need to be addressed. It is especially evident in elder persons over the age of 65, as they are at more risk due to their deteriorating health. However, it is not to say that other age groups are not affected. As humans, people are social beings who constantly need social relations for the good of general health. Taking it away means one isolates from other and increases the chances of being lonely. The latter is a psychological problem that makes it easier for individuals to fall into depression. Furthermore, as explained above, it can affect the immune system, thus leading to chronic diseases, the result of which is death.

Visual Aid

Visual image of an old man sitting alone and appearing to be lonely (Nreyn126, 2013)

References

Community Development Halton. (2016). Seniors: Loneliness and social isolation. Retrieved on December 19, 2017 from http://cdhalton.ca/images/pdf/Seniors-Loneliness-and-Social-Isolation.pdf

NHS. (2015). Loneliness ‘may affect the immune system.’ Retrieved on December 19, 2017 from https://www.nhs.uk/news/mental-health/loneliness-may-affect-the-immune-system/

Nreyn126. (2013). Call your grandparents: Social isolated elderly people have higher risk of death. Retrieved on December 19, 2017 from https://humanhealthblog.wordpress.com/2013/04/08/call-your-grandparents-socially-isolated-elderly-people-have-higher-risk-of-death/

Porter, B. (2017). Loneliness might be a bigger health risk than smoking or obesity. Forbes. Retrieved on December 19, 2017 from https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2017/01/18/loneliness-might-be-a-bigger-health-risk-than-smoking-or-obesity/#459170ea25d1