RVNA Health Source: Friends are Good for your Health

It is not unusual to experience bouts of loneliness and isolation, and older adults are most vulnerable, potentially affecting health. Declines in mobility, loss of partners and friends and lack of interest in building new friendships can all contribute to social isolation. Prolonged loneliness can increase depression and sadness, elevate blood pressure and raise levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. Research has shown that extreme loneliness can increase your chances of early death by 14%, similar to smoking 15 cigarettes a day and twice the impact of obesity on premature death.

How to avoid loneliness? The most obvious answer is by engaging more people on a regular basis. Researchers have identified three core dimensions to healthy relationships: Intimate Connectedness with someone who affirms and values you and can support you through good times and bad; Relational Connectedness which comes from face to face contacts that are mutually rewarding; and Collective Connectedness which comes from being a part of a group, team or club. Having one or more of these connections helps to fulfill the need for lasting relationships. To build comfortable relationships, start small and in a secure environment like volunteering at a shelter or tutoring children. Find activities you enjoy even if they’re not directly involved with people, like working at an animal shelter or spending times outdoors. Build bonds with those of similar interests and temperaments. It is the quality of relationships and not the quantity that combats loneliness.

Founded in 1914, RVNA is an accredited non-profit Medicare-certified home healthcare agency that also supports public health and safety, and promotes the highest quality of life. RVNA provides compassionate care to all individuals, whether young or old, through a continuum of care that encompasses health care at home and in the community. RVNA also provides home health aides and companionship through a non-medical subsidiary called HomeCare by RVNA and outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy in its Rehab by RVNA facility at 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield.

Visit RVNA at www.ridgefieldvna.org