The Deadly Cost of Loneliness
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted July 3, 2022
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
We didn’t talk too much about loneliness before the pandemic… but now it’s a topic we can’t avoid.
It’s long affected seniors, and since COVID-19 hit, the problem has become ten times worse.
That’s because researchers have uncovered a dark side of social distancing.
A new study has found that loneliness could have a deadly cost.
Researchers from the University of California-San Francisco found that seniors who consider themselves very lonely are much more likely to turn to prescription drugs. This includes painkillers, anti-anxiety drugs, and opioids.
The study team examined the use of prescription drugs in three groups of seniors, divided by mood:
- social,
- moderately lonely,
- or very lonely.
The use of opioids was almost DOUBLE in the seniors who described themselves as very lonely. And the use of anti-anxiety drugs and sedatives was around 2.5 times worse in the very lonely.
They also found that not only did drug use increase in the very lonely group, but depression, suicide, and anxiety did as well. On top of that, lonely seniors had higher rates of diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and heart failure.
Clearly, being lonely is harmful to your health in a way you can’t afford.
And while fixing loneliness is not easy, here are some things to try:
- Fill your house with music. While television is the companion most people choose, try spending some time listing to music you love.
- Stay connected any way you can. There have never been more ways to connect with other people. My 89-year-old father recently got on Facebook to stay in touch with his grandkids and is loving it. There are many online ways to see and talk to family and friends.
- Make the most of the interactions. Most people feel more satisfied with deep and meaningful connection. This means sharing your emotions, personal experiences, and asking questions to get people to talk about themselves. Strengthen old friendships—or better yet, make new friends.
- Get outside. There is something about getting outside of your house that makes people feel less alone and more connected to the world. Venture out, even if it’s just to go on a walk by yourself.
- Consider a pet. If you like animals, a pet can be a great way to have a meaningful connection. Plus, you’ll be doing a good deed by adopting an animal that needs a home.
P.S. If you live alone, there’s something else you should be aware of. COVID-19 has had THIS surprising effect on single seniors. Click here to find out more.
SOURCE:
Melore, Chris. “Loneliness is driving more older adults to use opioids, prescription drugs” 7/26/2021. https://www.studyfinds.org/loneliness-older-adults-opioids/
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Microplastics’ Hidden Link to Chronic Disease EXPOSED
By now, you’ve heard about microplastics. These tiny fragments of plastic have invaded virtually every corner of our planet. We’re just beginning to understand the scope of the threat, but we know microplastics pose a serious risk to our health. If you’re like many folks, you’ve shrugged off those dangers, thinking there’s nothing you can...
Shakespeare’s “Remembrance” Herb Protects Memory
You probably have a jar of rosemary sitting in your spice rack. Perhaps you sprinkle it on potatoes or add it to roast chicken. But what if this humble herb could hold the key to fighting one of the most devastating diseases we can face as we age? It turns out a hidden compound inside...
Is Your Gut “Good”? How to Check
I always get asked, “How do I know if my digestion is working right?” Well, the answer is pretty simple, but it’s also a little gross. A simple test you can do at home reveals whether your digestion is normal or not. Your digestive system processes everything you eat—extracting nutrients, and eliminating waste. The time...
Hidden Sugar Trap Fuels Lung Cancer
We’ve long known that smoking is the main villain behind lung cancer. But what if your dinner plate has quietly joined forces with the enemy? A new study from the University of Florida reveals that the typical Western diet could be laying the groundwork for aggressive lung cancer growth by feeding tumors with stored sugar....
Mailbag: Can A Diabetic Enjoy Desserts? The Surprising Answer
“If you have diabetes, may you eat a very few sweets in a week?” —Sweet Tooth Hi Sweet Tooth, Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your body either resists the effects of insulin (a hormone that regulates sugar in your blood) or doesn’t produce enough of it to maintain normal blood sugar levels....
Sleepless Nights? Beware of this Deadly Danger
We all have that friend who brags about their four-hour-a-night sleep schedule like it’s some kind of superpower. “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” they proclaim while chugging their third energy drink of the morning. Well, science has bad news for these sleep-skimping show-offs. You might be accelerating your appointment with the Grim Reaper far more...
Drive-Thru Disaster Hits Fast Forward on Aging
Ever wonder why some of your high school classmates look like they’re aging much faster while others seem frozen in time? It’s not always just good genes or expensive creams—it could be what they’re ordering at the drive-thru. A troubling new study revealed that a fast-food habit doesn’t just expand your waistline—it fast-forwards your biological...
The “Salty” Truth About Your Mood
You know salt gets a bad rap for raising blood pressure. But what if I told you it might be messing with your mood, too? According to a new study out of China, eating too much salt could trigger depression—not just through vague “bad diet” effects, but by activating specific immune cells in the brain....
Ancient Herb Has a Modern Secret for Youthful Skin
You can spend hundreds—maybe even thousands—on anti-aging creams, lotions, and potions that promise to turn back the clock. But let’s be honest… most of them do little more than moisturize and smell nice. Now, a new study is turning that entire anti-aging skincare industry on its head—and the secret comes from an herb that’s been...
Let It Go—The Unexpected Freedom of “Fart Walks”
Ever notice your walk sometimes comes with some, well… unexpected sound effects? One step, two step, POOT! There’s a perfectly reasonable explanation for this natural phenomenon. Passing gas on your daily stroll is totally normal—and it means your digestive system is working well. Here’s what’s happening… Walking and other physical activities stimulate your digestive tract,...