Loneliness is a big problem for many older people, especially women. In fact, women are more likely than men to live alone after the age of 65. The problem is that loneliness can lead to chronic health problems and other physical ailments. And it’s not just women who suffer from loneliness; men do too.
Women are more likely than men to live their later lives alone
In the United States, women are more likely than men to live alone in later life. The gap narrows slightly in the middle age group and becomes more pronounced with age. However, the rate of living alone is highest among the older generations.
This trend is fueled by a growing individualism. Women are pursuing lifestyles and values that do not fit with family-oriented expectations. They are also leaving abusive or unsatisfying marriages at a much larger scale.
Older women are the primary drivers of the living alone phenomenon. In 2010, almost half of all women over the age of 75 were alone. That number has dropped by 3% in the past few years.
Whether living alone is worth it is a matter of personal choice. It is not for everyone, though.
Loneliness is a killer of the pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic has been causing social isolation among adults. A new study has found that social isolation is linked to increased premature mortality.
Social distancing has resulted in lower levels of physical activity and deteriorated mental health. It has also led to an increase in suicidal ideation.
Loneliness is a big concern for older adults. In the English Longitudinal Study of Aging, people who live alone were more likely to report having a poorer quality of life.
During the pandemic, almost a third of survey respondents aged 50 and over reported not turning to anyone for support. The findings suggest that loneliness has become a widespread problem.
A recent study by researchers from Brigham Young University examined the physiology of loneliness. It showed that loneliness was associated with higher levels of inflammation in the blood vessels and brain tissues. These effects interfere with sleep cycles and lead to anxiety.
Relationships between loneliness and physical health in the elderly
In the past two decades, the field of loneliness research has expanded dramatically. There is now a growing body of scientific literature linking loneliness with poor physical and mental health. It is important to understand how social isolation affects aging adults.
Longitudinal modeling studies use multiple time points to examine associations. This method reduces the number of participants needed to detect an association. The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam, for example, has analyzed the relationship between loneliness and mortality in older people. Using a person-centered approach, researchers can map specific subgroups of lonely older adults and develop targeted intervention programs.
Earlier longitudinal studies focused on single timepoints. However, recent waves of data collection have allowed the study of association over a longer period.
Researchers have found that individuals who are lonely experience poorer physical health, less cognitive functioning, weakened immune system, reduced self-rated health, and a decreased quality of life. Individuals who feel alone also have more negative thoughts. People who are lonely are also more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. They are also at higher risk of dying.
Study examines loneliness and chronic conditions for rural older women in Appalachia
A recent study examined loneliness and chronic conditions among older rural women in Appalachia. The study focused on women in the Central Appalachia region, which includes Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, and West Virginia. It also looked at differences between rural and urban populations. Study participants ranged in age from 55 to 79.
The study included two central Appalachian counties – Cumberland County, Kentucky, and Logan County, West Virginia. Both counties had similar demographics and economic standing, and health care and social service resources were similar. However, the study found that life expectancy is lower in Appalachia than in the United States as a whole.
Rural Appalachian adults reported the highest rates of mortality for hypertension, heart disease, and multiple chronic health conditions. They were also more likely to have mental problems and physical limitations in their daily activities. These factors contributed to the higher rate of premature death in Appalachia.
People don’t have expiration dates
Many a consumer have probably been tempted to buy a bottle of booze with a “best before” date on it, but a closer look reveals the true spirit of the ad hoc labeling process. A better bet is to get the same quality of drink for a fraction of the price – or at least that’s what we’ve found out over the last few months. In a similar fashion, food manufacturers are making the decision to spruce up their packaging to ensure they’re not wasting your money, and their time. It’s a win-win, but one that could have been done in a sane manner.
It’s a well known fact that manufacturers tasked with coming up with the best-of-the-best recipe for your buck will spend considerable time and money in the name of a profit. While this may be good news for aficionados of the dark arts, it’s not so great for the average Joe. For instance, the quality of milk in Idaho is the same as that produced in Montana, a few hundred miles to the east.