Loneliness: Bad for Your Health?

A television commercial I saw recently features several women in an elevator contemplating their evening meals. Beyond the product being advertised, what struck me as most prominent was that they were all going home to eat alone. I wondered about the health of a solitary lifestyle, did some research and found some surprising results. Did you know that:

• Lonely people have been shown to have impaired immune systems, making them more vulnerable to colds and other illnesses.
• A recent study found that the elderly who live alone, have no friends or a bad relationship with their children are 60% more likely to develop dementia.
• Lonely people are turning to the Internet in increasing numbers, leading to problems with depression and online sex addictions.
• Alcohol and serial relationships enhance feelings of loneliness.

• Realize that social bonds with other humans are a necessity for healthy living.
• Be honest with yourself and survey the relationships of significance in your life.
• Consider that you may have a "learning deficit" in forming bonds of friendship with others.
• Think about getting some therapy as a way to acquire the skills you may be lacking.
• Seek medical treatment for severe anxiety or depression brought on by loneliness.
• Make an effort to join a church, leisure group or political organization.
• Limit or completely stay away from the Internet as an anonymous source of interaction.

"Your Health" provides easy-to-understand information about common health conditions.