In a new study, researchers found that being lonely in a crowd is worse for cognitive function than being lonely and alone.
And emotional loneliness is actually a bigger risk factor than depression, heart disease, diabetes and stroke for cognitive decline.
The research was conducted by a team at Massey University.
Older adults facing major life changes, such as the death of a spouse, a decline in physical health and strength, less independence, or having to move away from established friends and support networks, can access support and forge a social life.
And while they may be not perceived as socially isolated or socially lonely by others, they may feel an acute absence of close, intimate and meaningful relationships, despite being surrounded by friends, family, and social acquaintances.
In the study, the team examined whether emotional loneliness, social loneliness, and social isolation affected cognitive performance among older people.
Their analyses showed that emotional loneliness had a detrimental impact on cognition.
Older adults who were emotionally lonely but not socially isolated had poorer cognition than those who were lonely and socially isolated.
The team also found that social connections create behavioral and psychological benefits that can offset the cognitive decline, such as encouraging healthier lifestyles, and the mood-enhancing, stress-reducing impact of socializing.
But the discrepancy is that for some, group conviviality does not meet the need for one-on-one intimacy—instead, it highlights the absence of a soulmate and intensifies loneliness.
The research addresses concerns for the health of the growing proportion of older people in the population and the quest to better understand their needs.
The findings show the importance for the mental and physical health of having strong, close emotional bonds, not just being in the same room with people, in later life.
The team says society needs to talk more openly and deeply about the value and importance of emotional connections across all age groups to combat the stigma of loneliness.
The lead author of the study is clinical psychology graduate Dr. Catherine Whitehouse.
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