Loneliness Can Be Health Risk for Seniors

    Positive Attitude is Protection

New research shows that our aging population, and many of our elderly parents, can reverse some of the negative health issues associated with a lonely life. Yes, having a positive approach and attitude can help!

The study looked to see whether using self-protective strategies – such as thinking positively and avoiding self-blame in the context of common age-related threats – could prevent lonely older adults from exhibiting increases in stress hormones and inflammatory biomarkers.

Over a six-year period, the study measured self-protective strategies with a questionnaire that asked participants to rate such statements as, “Even if my health is in a very difficult condition, I can find something positive in life,” or “When I find it impossible to overcome a health problem, I try not to blame myself.”

The research team also asked the participants to what extent they felt lonely or isolated during a typical day and used saliva and blood samples to measure how much cortisol and C-reactive protein the participants produced. (Cortisol is responsible for stress-related changes in the body. And elderly adults with elevated C-reactive protein are at increased risk of inflammatory illnesses like diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.)

Research findings showed that positive thinking helped protect against an increase in cortisol secretion. Four years down the road, additional tests showed the participants’ C-reactive protein levels had improved.

The researchers reported that for those older adults who did not report feelings of loneliness, this type of thinking had no effect. Basically, this was explained in part because their social networks helped them deal with age-related problems.

According to the research leader, “Older adults can be taught through counseling or therapy to engage in self-protective thoughts like staying positive when it comes to their own health. That means a better quality of life, both physically and mentally – something we all want at any age.”

Overall, these findings could contribute to successful aging.

JD Miller

About JD Miller

John D. Miller is the founder/owner of Home Care Partners, LLC, a Massachusetts business providing private duty, personalized in-home assistance and companion care services to those needing help in daily activities and household functions. Phone: (781) 378-2164 Email: [email protected] Website: https://homecarepartnersma.com
SHARE IT:

Comments are closed.