Friday, September 14, 2012

Study: Loneliness a Predictor of Functional Decline and Death

Earlier this week a mass email was sent out to the members of Prairie UU, where my husband and I are members.  Often times the messages relate to a request for assistance with yard work while recovering from surgery, announcing a birth/marriage/death in a family, or spreading the word about a great movie playing in theaters.  This email contained a link to a NY Times article reviewing a recent study published in JAMA.

Researchers have shown that loneliness in people age 60 and older is a predictor of functional decline and death.  According to the study, chronic loneliness is connected to a host of health concerns (high blood pressure, coronary disease, etc.).  And interestingly, many of those who reported being lonely were married or living with someone; alone does not mean you are lonely.  For those seeking to age with grace or keeping a watchful eye on a elder in the family, this article is highly informative.  The bottom line I took from the article was to find ways to connect with other people.  Focus on medical measurements is important, but relationships, quality ones, play a very important role in our lives.  Don't neglect connections with others.

Image Credit:  www.sxc.hu - free image

So it seems perfect that this evening I will be joining a group of women for an annual evening out at American  Players Theater in Spring Green.  Annual traditions, good food, culture, the outdoors, and female friends -- its just what the doctor ordered (or should have).  Enjoy your weekend, and I'll be back Monday with more thought on illness, death and taxes for the middle class.


No comments: