Can You Really Die Of Loneliness?

Although there is no denying that loneliness can be one of the most devastating experiences

a person can go through, the idea of dying of loneliness seems to be stretching it a bit. We are all familiar with the idea of loneliness of course, and most of us have felt its crushing grip at some point or another. However, the very idea that a mere emotion can significantly affect life just seems a tad bit melodramatic.

However, new research seems to suggest a distinct link between loneliness and early death. Loneliness is particularly significant factor for the elderly, and it can have severe consequences on their health. In a study published by the University of California, it was discovered that loneliness and isolation decreased physical function by as much as 24%. Even more alarmingly, the study-which was comprised of 1,600 subjects in the 60-and-above age group-showed a 45% increase in the chance of death. It appears then that while death by loneliness isn't quite a certainty, loneliness does increase the risk of early mortality among these test subjects.

One theory that may explain the propensity to die of loneliness is the effect of such emotions on the immune system of humans. In another study conducted by a molecular biologist from the University of California, it was revealed that people who were chronically lonely exhibited abnormal functioning on a genetic level. A key pointer to this condition was the hyper activity of white blood cells as a response to tissue damage.

Studies that seem to determine the risk of dying by loneliness aren't exactly new. It has long been known that the lack of social interaction can affect the body's most fundamental functions. In addition to having weaker immune systems, people who are lonely also had a higher risk of incurring a wide variety of health conditions including infection, hypertension, and certain types of cancer.

In general, people who are lonely may also have more health related difficulties than people who are not lonely. When deprived of companionship, people are less likely to take their medication properly and on time. There is also no one around to help them when they are sick, and all these factors may contribute to the risk of death by loneliness.

Although research on the risk of dying of loneliness is still inconclusive, there is sufficient indication of the link between loneliness and early mortality. When elderly people are in a situation wherein there is no one to care for them, they may feel that there is nothing left to live for. If you have elderly family members who are at risk for loneliness, it would be advisable to try to spend as much time with them as possible. Seeing to their needs, providing comfort and companionship, and simply being there for them may go a long way in terms of improving their quality of life. At the very least, you may just be able to reduce the risk of your loved ones dying from loneliness.

by: Gen Wright

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