We need to start taking our social relationships more seriously. Quite often we don’t think about the effects it can have on the body and mind when we live a solitary life. Maybe it is time that we start to think more about the repercussions. More studies are proving that a lack of social interaction can have an effect on our health and longevity.
Studies based on 3 million people, found that the subjective feeling of loneliness increases risk of death by 25%. An alarming thought when loneliness affects at least 60 million Americans.
What if you enjoy spending time by yourself? But what if you live alone?
While being alone and feeling alone are not the same thing, the effect on longevity, however, is similar. Social isolation and living alone were found to be even more harmful to a person’s health than feelings of loneliness increasing mortality risk by 29% and 32% respectively. Pretty astounding facts.
Earlier research has found that isolation and loneliness threaten longevity as much as being a heavy smoker or to that of being an alcoholic. Being a heavy smoker or an alcoholic coupled with terrible feelings of isolation is like a ticking time bomb for your health.
We don’t often think about the repercussions of living a solitary life, but maybe it’s time we all start to be more aware of it for ourselves and for others. According to new research published in Perspectives on Psychological Science, a lack of social connection may have serious consequences for our health and longevity.
We need to start taking our social relationships more seriously.
The data, which was based on roughly 3 million participants, found that the subjective feeling of loneliness increases risk of death by 26%. This is concerning given that loneliness plagues nearly 60 million Americans and that more Americans are living alone than ever before.
With these findings about loneliness being on the rise we are potentially faced with a loneliness epidemic in the future.
It is so easy these days to go for days without actually interacting with another person. We might text or use social media to pass on comments, but the more technology we use to connect to others the more socially isolated we are actually becoming.
The presence of social interactions with others, whether that be in person or with a friendly voice over the phone, asking about your day provides a positive effect on health and longevity. So in a nutshell, the more positive interactions we have on a daily basis the better we are able to function emotionally and physically.
So where does this feeling of loneliness leave us and what can you do about it?
So if you or someone you know finds themselves in a situation of isolation or loneliness, make the decision to do something about it. You may just find that you not only live better, you live longer. Maybe you know somebody that is very lonely and you just don’t get the time or inclination to offer them support, but you can inform them of Phone My Friend, which is a befriending and listening service so that you help them live a life that is much better and longer.
If you or a loved one are looking for uplifting conversations where we can share some humor to help decrease your feelings of loneliness then Phone My Friend is the best place to start!
Maybe you or a loved one has just gone through a breakup and want to feel encouraged and built up. Everybody including yourself is worthy of love. You deserve support from somebody such as myself that can offer a place for you to feel less lonely as we engage in fun conversation over the phone or over an online chat that is productive for the caller.
So how about you focus on living a healthier life to increase your longevity, starting today!!
Pick up the phone and call me at Phone My Friend in this link, or if you would prefer to submit a request for an online chat instead, you can request me here in this link.
Hugs and admiration for all those willing to make a positive change in their life today!
Claire xxx
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