subject: Dying Of Loneliness-a Real Possibility? [print this page] As terrible and devastating as it is to suffer from loneliness, many people would not think of it as a probable cause of death. Sure we have all heard of stories about people dying from loneliness, but we are oftentimes too quick to dismiss these stories as superstition or overblown melodrama. In the vat majority of cases, death from loneliness is often attributed to physical reasons, although the actual cause is apparent.
The opinion of the global scientific community is changing however, and new research seems to bear out the possibility of actually dying from loneliness. Some of the more remarkable results of clinical research shows that being lonely can affect not only the mental and emotional state of the person, but his physiological health as well.
One of the most significant studies in this regard was conducted by Steve Cole of the University of California. In the course of his study with elderly test subjects aged 60 and higher, the molecular biologist found a distinct link between loneliness and impaired body functioning particularly with regard to the immune system. The study involved the use of a genetic chip, which helped examine the DNA of certain test subjects. The results of this examination was nothing short of shocking, and showed that the people who described themselves as lonely had a noticeably less effective immune system than people who where happy and fulfilled with their lives. Cole further stated that loneliness affects many of the most basic functions of human beings.
Earlier studies have suggested that it may be possible for people to die from loneliness. In research conducted on communities with sizeable populations, it was found that people who suffered from a significant degree of isolation are at risk for incurring any number of diseases and health conditions, including infection, hypertension, and even certain types of cancer. The emotional toll that loneliness places on a person can also lead to chronic depression, which in itself has been linked with a host of serious health concerns.
There have been a number of theories put forth with regard to why loneliness can cause early death. One of the more pragmatic explanations points to the fact that lonely people often have no one to care for them or to see to their basic needs on a regular basis. For this reason, they are less likely take their medication on time, or to seek the attention of a doctor in the event of an illness. People who are bereft of companionship also have no one to call for help when they slip or fall, and the increased hazards in the home may be contributing factors to death by loneliness.
Of course, the new research suggests that there may be a deeper link between loneliness and early death. Although more research is necessary in order to formulate a more concrete explanation and solution, it just may be possible that the person suffering from loneliness no longer has any reason to stay alive, and death by loneliness is the only option.
