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What are some costs of social distancing on individual health?
Though social distancing strategies are necessary to limit the spread of COVID-19, there can be health consequences associated with the resulting loneliness and social isolation, particularly for those with pre-existing mental illnesses. Those with smaller social circles, less access to medical support, and older adults who are more dependent on family and community may be more vulnerable to social isolation and its impacts. As a result, social disconnection can have negative physiological, cognitive, and behavioral health effects.
Loneliness and social isolation are associated with various interconnected physical and mental repercussions.
- Loneliness and isolation have been associated with elevated blood pressure, increased risk for heart disease, and increased risk for coronary artery disease.
- Loneliness has been linked to depressive and cognitive symptoms, including:
- Poor self-rated health
- Impaired functional status
- Vision deficits
- A perceived negative change in the quality of one’s life
- Suicide attempts and completed suicide among older adults.
- Poor self-rated health
- Physiological stress-related responses associated with feelings of loneliness can be connected to behavioral changes such as smoking, alcohol consumption, low physical activity, poor diet, and difficulty keeping up with prescriptions and treatments.
How can I prevent social isolation and loneliness from developing during the pandemic?
Small gatherings can be held safely if everyone follows social distancing and wears a mask in a well-ventilated space such as outdoors. It can also be helpful to stay connected using technology through platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Zoom, and Skype.
Check in with older adults to encourage safe activities outdoors (like exercise), maintain a daily schedule, and a sense of normalcy. Both emotional and physical support for others as well as yourself can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. If you are struggling with loneliness and social isolation, help is available.
Check in with older adults to encourage safe activities outdoors (like exercise), maintain a daily schedule, and a sense of normalcy. Both emotional and physical support for others as well as yourself can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. If you are struggling with loneliness and social isolation, help is available.
