“We have this stereotype of the lonely, unhealthy old man and the robust, socially active young man”illustrates James Maddux, researcher at George Mason University (USA) questioned by the site HealthDay News. Yet the 18-24 year olds are also affected by loneliness. The website indeed relays a study published in the journal Annals of Family Medicine of March / April, which shows that one in three young adults is affected by this scourge.
Researchers surveyed more than 1,235 Americans of all ages. In total, 20% revealed that they sometimes felt “lonely”, “isolated”, “left behind”. People living in poorer areas with high unemployment, or unmarried people were more likely to feel lonely. But this feeling of isolation was particularly striking among respondents under the age of 25: a third of them reported these feelings. And contrary to the a priori surrounding the subject, only 11% of over 65s said they had these thoughts.
Loneliness and health problems feed each other
This new study also confirms that it is not just a social problem. The chronic loneliness was linked to increased risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, dementia, or depression in participants. Previous research had already made the link between the feeling of isolation and cardiovascular risks, as well as on physiological health, at the same time increasing the risk of infections and chronic diseases. People who considered themselves alone also reported 10 “poor health days” per month, compared to four in other patients.
“The study interviewed people at some point. Thus, it is unclear whether loneliness preceded – and perhaps contributed to – poorer health.nuance Dr. Rebecca Mullen, principal researcher of the University of Colorado, always questioned by HealthDay News. It’s possible that the relationship goes both waysshe continues. Loneliness and health issues feeding off each other. »
Loneliness is a real public health problem that needs to be talked about more, says the doctor. “Let’s work to reduce the stigma [l’]surrounding, so that we can have open and honest conversations about it”, she says. In France, more than 5 million people suffer from it.
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