Can social isolation increase my risk for disease?
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Dr. Dean Ornish answered:A report published in the journal Science reviewed the mounting evidence that social isolation heightens people's susceptibility to illness. According to Dr. James House, one of the authors of this article, "It's the 10 to 20 percent of people who say they have nobody with whom they can share their private feelings, or who have close contact with others less than once a week, who are at most risk."
The report said that "social isolation is as significant to mortality rates as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and lack of physical exercise. In fact, when age is adjusted for, social isolation is as great or greater a mortality risk than smoking. After controlling for the effects of physical health, socioeconomic status, smoking, alcohol, exercise, obesity, race, life satisfaction and health care, the studies found that those with few or weak social ties were twice as likely to die as those with strong ties." The authors concluded by stating, "Thus, just as we discover the importance of social relationships for health, and see an increasing need for them, their prevalence and availability seem to be declining."
Find out more about this book: Dr. Dean Ornish's Program for Reversing Heart Disease: The Only System Scie...Helpful? 1 person found this helpful
A report published in the journal Science reviewed the mounting evidence that social isolation heightens people's susceptibility to illness. According to Dr. James House, one of the authors of this article, "It's the 10 to 20 percent of people who... More -
Dr. Ileen Craven of Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:Human beings are social animals. We thrive on spending time with others, relating to others, and feeling close to others. Those we interact with closely and feel intimate with do not have to be large in numbers. Yet, we must, in order to achieve happiness in life, must have at least a few people in our lives who we can spend time with, discuss our lives with, feeling a sense of belonging with, and feel we can rely on through all times which can include those that are good and those that are not so good. Support is vital for us to thrive through all of life's challenges. For physical and mental well-being humans must connect to one another.
Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulHuman beings are social animals. We thrive on spending time with others, relating to others, and feeling close to others. Those we interact with closely and feel intimate with do not have to be large in numbers. Yet, we must, in order to achieve... More
