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by Maria Radwanski RN MSN CRRN 12/02/07

A 4 year study completed at Rush University, Chicago shows that lonely elderly are more than two times likely to develop dementia than those who are not lonely. Older adults with a good social network, who were frequently involved in social activity, and were mentally stimulated demonstrated less risk for dementia.

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University of Chicago 09/03/08

Feeling connected to others is vital to a person's mental well-being, as well as physical health, research at the University of Chicago shows.

The studies, reported in a new book, Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection, show that a sense of rejection or isolation disrupts not only abilities, will power and perseverance, but also key cellular processes deep within the human body.

The findings suggest that chronic loneliness belongs among health risk factors such as smoking, obesity or lack of exercise, according to lead author John Cacioppo, the Tiffany & Margaret Blake Distinguished Service Professor in Psychology at the University.

"Loneliness not only alters behavior, but loneliness is related to greater resistance to blood flow through your cardiovascular system," Cacioppo said.

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01/09/08

Many elderly people in cities, live alone, with their windows sealed or nailed shut because they are so afraid of crime-afraid that someone will break in, and they will be defenseless.

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