Lifelong Social Bonds Can Slow Biological Aging at the Cellular Level

 Which means your competent? doctor has to get you 100% recovered so you don't lose friendships.

Aristotles' ideas on friendship are the most interesting. Post stroke I think I lost every utility and pleasure friends. The virtuous ones I retained, they were all college roommates from 40 years ago. We still get together quite often. Created quite a few new friendships in the past 13 years after moving to Michigan.

Aristotle believes that there are three different kinds of friendship; that of utility, friendship of pleasure, and virtuous friendship. 

The latest here:

Lifelong Social Bonds Can Slow Biological Aging at the Cellular Level

Summary: A new study shows that lifelong social advantages—from early parental warmth to adult friendships and community support—can slow biological aging. Researchers analyzed over 2,100 participants and found that those with stronger, more consistent social connections had younger biological ages according to epigenetic clocks GrimAge and DunedinPACE.

They also had lower inflammation, with reduced levels of interleukin-6, a molecule linked to chronic disease. The findings highlight how cumulative social support works like a “retirement account,” compounding over time to improve health and longevity.

Key Facts

• Epigenetic Clocks: Social advantage slowed biological aging measured by GrimAge and DunedinPACE.
• Lower Inflammation: Stronger networks linked to reduced interleukin-6 levels.
• Cumulative Effect: Early and lifelong connections compound to shape health outcomes.

Source: Cornell University

The cumulative effect of social advantages across a lifetime – from parental warmth in childhood to friendship, community engagement and religious support in adulthood – may slow the biological processes of aging.

These social advantages appear to set back “epigenetic clocks” such that a person’s biological age, as measured by analyzing DNA methylation patterns, is younger than their chronological age.

The research, which appeared in the October issue of the journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity – Health, drew on data from more than 2,100 adults in the long-running Midlife in the United States, or MIDUS, study.

Anthony Ong, psychology professor at Cornell University, and fellow researchers found that people with higher levels of what they called “cumulative social advantage” showed slower epigenetic aging and lower levels of chronic inflammation.

The study focused on so-called epigenetic clocks, molecular signatures that estimate the pace of biological aging. Two in particular – GrimAge and DunedinPACE – are considered especially predictive of morbidity and mortality. Adults with stronger, more sustained social networks showed significantly younger profiles on both clocks.

“Cumulative social advantage is really about the depth and breadth of your social connections over a lifetime,” Ong said. “We looked at four key areas: the warmth and support you received from your parents growing up, how connected you feel to your community and neighborhood, your involvement in religious or faith-based communities, and the ongoing emotional support from friends and family.”

The researchers hypothesized that sustained social advantage becomes reflected in core regulatory systems linked to aging, including epigenetic, inflammatory and neuroendocrine pathways.

Remarkably, they found that higher social advantage was linked to lower levels of interleukin-6, a pro-inflammatory molecule implicated in heart disease, diabetes and neurodegeneration. Interestingly, however, there were no significant associations with short-term stress markers like cortisol or catecholamines.

Unlike many earlier studies that looked at social factors in isolation – whether a person is married, for example, or how many friends they have – this work conceptualized “cumulative social advantage” as a multidimensional construct. And by combining both early and later-life relational resources, the measure reflects the ways advantage clusters and compounds.

“What’s striking is the cumulative effect – these social resources build on each other over time,” Ong said.

“It’s not just about having friends today; it’s about how your social connections have grown and deepened throughout your life. That accumulation shapes your health trajectory in measurable ways.”

This doesn’t mean a single friendship or volunteer stint can turn back the biological clock. The authors suggest that the depth and consistency of social connection, built across decades and different spheres of life, matters profoundly. The study adds weight to the growing view that social life is not just a matter of happiness or stress relief but a core determinant of physiological health.

“Think of social connections like a retirement account,” Ong said.

“The earlier you start investing and the more consistently you contribute, the greater your returns. Our study shows those returns aren’t just emotional; they’re biological. People with richer, more sustained social connections literally age more slowly at the cellular level. Aging well means both staying healthy and staying connected – they’re inseparable.”

About this social neuroscience and aging research news

Author: Becka Bowyer
Source: Cornell University
Contact: Becka Bowyer – Cornell University
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News

Socially Isolated Older Adults are at 34 Percent Higher Risk of Diabetes: ENDO 2025 Study

 

Your competent? doctor needs to get you 100% recovered immediately before you lose the first two groups of friends that Aristotle describes.  DEMAND results or your doctor will use the craptastic saying; 'All strokes are different, all stroke recoveries are different'. You can't allow your doctor to hide and cower behind that useless saying.

Aristotle believes that there are three different kinds of friendship; that of utility, friendship of pleasure, and virtuous friendship. 

 and that you will likely lose all of the first two post stroke without 100% recovery!

Socially Isolated Older Adults are at 34 Percent Higher Risk of Diabetes: ENDO 2025 Study

A Longevity Expert’s 5 Tips for Aging Well

 This paragraph is hopeful for me: 

The researchers suspected the key to healthier aging was genetic. But after sequencing the genomes of 1,400 of these aging outliers — a cohort they called the “Wellderly” — they found almost no difference between their biological makeup and that of their peers. They were, however, more physically active, more social and typically better educated than the general public. 

I'm quite active, very, very social, better educated.

And the social aspects are vastly increased by alcohol; Smarter People Tend To Drink More Alcohol

But remember your doctor thinks alcohol has no valid use whatsoever, so you can't listen to me. Here is what your doctor will use, no thinking required:

Safest level of alcohol consumption is none, worldwide study shows

 

Your competent? doctor needs to get you 100% recovered immediately before you lose the first two groups of friends that Aristotle describes.  DEMAND results or your doctor will use the craptastic saying; 'All strokes are different, all stroke recoveries are different'. You can't allow your doctor to hide and cower behind that useless saying.

I'm the happiest I've ever been and all because of my stroke.

Aristotle believes that there are three different kinds of friendship; that of utility, friendship of pleasure, and virtuous friendship. 

 and that you will likely lose all of the first two post stroke?

A Longevity Expert’s 5 Tips for Aging Well

Not money, not fame: An 85-year-long study shows what makes us happiest

 

Your doctor needs to get you 100% recovered immediately before you lose the first two groups of friends that Aristotle describes.  DEMAND results or your doctor will use the craptastic saying; 'All strokes are different, all stroke recoveries are different'. You can't allow your doctor to hide and cower behind that useless saying.

I'm the happiest I've ever been and all because of my stroke.

Aristotle believes that there are three different kinds of friendship; that of utility, friendship of pleasure, and virtuous friendship. 

 and that you will likely lose all of the first two post stroke?

Not money, not fame: An 85-year-long study shows what makes us happiest

The Harvard Study of Adult Development one of the most comprehensive longitudinal studies ever conducted, has sought to answer a fundamental question that resonates with each of us: What makes a good life?

When asked what they think would make them happiest, most people answered money or fame. This didn’t turn out to be the case.

People who are happiest and healthiest have strong, supportive bonds with family, friends, and their community. These relationships provide emotional support, enhance mental well-being, and even protect against physical health decline. The study highlights that it’s not just about having many relationships but nurturing those that are deep, trusting, and reliable.

“The surprising finding is that our relationships and how happy we are in our relationships has a powerful influence on our health,” said Robert Waldinger, director of the study, a psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital and a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. “Taking care of your body is important, but tending to your relationships is a form of self-care too. That, I think, is the revelation.”

According to the study, the things that make people happiest are:

・Strong, supportive relationships: Quality over quantity; having reliable, emotionally supportive connections.

・Emotional resilience and positive outlook: Ability to cope with stress and view challenges as opportunities for growth. (I'm extremely good at this.)

The detrimental effects of loneliness were another striking finding. The study demonstrated that loneliness can be as harmful as smoking or alcoholism. Individuals who reported feeling lonely were more likely to experience physical and mental health decline, and they had a higher risk of premature death.

Waldinger emphasized this point in his widely viewed TED Talk, which you can see below. The implication is clear: nurturing meaningful relationships isn’t just beneficial—it’s vital for our health and longevity.

“When we gathered together everything we knew about them about at age 50, it wasn’t their middle-age cholesterol levels that predicted how they were going to grow old,” said Waldinger in a popular TED Talk. “It was how satisfied they were in their relationships. The people who were the most satisfied in their relationships at age 50 were the healthiest at age 80.”

Health, Lifestyle Choices, and “Social Fitness”

While relationships and mindset are crucial, the Harvard Study also points to the importance of health and lifestyle choices. The data reveals that maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are significant predictors of a long, happy life. Participants who adopted healthy habits earlier in life were more likely to enjoy better physical health and cognitive function as they aged.

Interestingly, the study also introduced the concept of “social fitness,” which involves regularly taking stock of one’s relationships and ensuring they are healthy and balanced.

Just like physical fitness, social fitness requires effort and commitment. Waldinger and Marc Schulz, the study’s associate director, argue that we should approach our relationships as living systems that need nurturing and exercise. This could involve consciously setting aside time to nurture meaningful connections or reflecting on whether we are devoting enough time to the people who matter most to us.

What you can take from this

The lessons from the Harvard Study of Adult Development are particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world. We all feel some pressure to achieve wealth, status, and success, but the study’s message is clear. The most important aspects of a good life are often the simplest: nurturing meaningful relationships, maintaining a positive and resilient mindset, making healthy lifestyle choices, and engaging with the community.

As for the study, even after more than eight decades, the Harvard Study of Adult Development continues to evolve and expand. The study now includes over 1,300 descendants of the original participants, with researchers exploring new areas such as the impact of technology on relationships, the role of genetics in aging, and the influence of social policies on quality of life.

Waldinger hopes to extend the study to include third and fourth generations, recognizing that this ongoing research offers a unique opportunity to deepen our understanding of human development across lifetimes.

Loneliness Tied to Alzheimer's and Dementia Risk

Your doctor needs to get you 100% recovered immediately before you lose the first two groups of friends that Aristotle describes.  DEMAND results or your doctor will use the craptastic saying; 'All strokes are different, all stroke recoveries are different'. You can't allow your doctor to hide and cower behind that useless saying.

Aristotle believes that there are three different kinds of friendship; that of utility, friendship of pleasure, and virtuous friendship. 

 and that you will likely lose all of the first two post stroke?

Loneliness Tied to Alzheimer's and Dementia Risk

Feeling lonely also linked with cognitive impairment that's not dementia, meta-analysis shows

by Judy George, Deputy Managing Editor, MedPage Today October 11, 2024

Key Takeaways

• Loneliness was associated with a 31% higher risk of overall dementia.
• Links were seen with Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and cognitive impairment.
• Relationships persisted after controlling for depression and social isolation.

Loneliness increased the risk for all-cause dementia, a meta-analysis that included more than 600,000 people showed.

Feeling lonely was tied to a 31% higher risk of overall dementia (HR 1.306, 95% CI 1.197-1.426), according to Martina Luchetti, PhD, of Florida State University in Tallahassee, and co-authors.

Loneliness was associated with both Alzheimer's disease (HR 1.393, 95% CI 1.290-1.504) and vascular dementia (HR 1.735, 95% CI 1.483-2.029), Luchetti and colleagues said.

Moreover, it was linked with cognitive impairment that was not dementia (HR 1.150, 95% CI 1.113-1.189), they reported in Nature Mental Health.

The study was the largest meta-analysis on the associations between loneliness and dementia, the researchers said. Relationships persisted when models controlled for depression, social isolation, and other modifiable risk factors.

Loneliness differs from being alone or isolated, noted Elizabeth Necka, PhD, of the National Institute on Aging, which supported the study.

"You can be lonely, but socially integrated in terms of having interactions with people. You also can be socially isolated but really enjoy it," Necka told MedPage Today.

Both loneliness and isolation are included in the Lancet Commission's review of modifiable dementia risk factors, Necka pointed out. The commission estimated that "if we could address loneliness and social isolation, we could reduce the prevalence of dementia cases by 5%," she observed.

"The effect sizes are pretty comparable to more traditional dementia risk factors, like physical activity or smoking," she added. "This is really something that we should be paying more attention to."

Several researchers are exploring ways to integrate loneliness assessments in clinical care, she noted. Last year, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, MBA, took steps to address loneliness and isolation by proposing a national strategy to advance social connection.

"In the past years, and particularly after the social restrictions due to the [COVID-19] pandemic, there has been an increasing interest in the consequences of loneliness, with numerous new publications and attempts to identify risks for cognitive health," Luchetti and colleagues noted.

One recent study showed that dementia incidence was tripled in lonely older adults who otherwise would be expected to have relatively low risk based on age and genes. Another suggested that persistent midlife loneliness was tied to late-life dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Loneliness also has been linked with incident Parkinson's disease independently of genes, depression, and other major risk factors.

In their meta-analysis, Luchetti and co-authors assessed relationships between loneliness and all-cause dementia in 608,561 individuals pooled across 21 samples that included articles from published literature and ongoing aging cohort studies.

Five articles assessed Alzheimer's disease risk (492,967 people) and three articles assessed risk for vascular dementia (489,467 people). To analyze cognitive impairment that wasn't dementia, the researchers used 16 samples that included both articles and ongoing studies.

There was large heterogeneity across the studies, partly due to differences in loneliness measures and ascertainment of cognitive status, the researchers said.

The meta-analytic effects for dementia and cognitive impairment were weaker but significant in models that accounted for depression, social isolation, or other modifiable risk factors, they noted. "In particular, depression and social isolation emerge as possible mediators underlying the associations," they wrote.

"Loneliness is closely associated with depressive symptomatology, which in turn increases the risk for cognitive decline," Luchetti and colleagues added. "Loneliness, however, is not simply a symptom of depression, and this research suggests that loneliness has an independent relation with dementia when controlling for depressive symptoms."

Interventions that target social isolation and depressive symptoms may alleviate loneliness and support cognitive health, but other mechanisms may be involved, they suggested.

Lonely individuals may engage in unhealthy behaviors or experience elevated stress and immune dysfunction, they noted. While loneliness is related to cardiovascular risk, incorporating variables like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity into the current analysis had negligible effects on associations with dementia and cognitive impairment.

"Other modifiable risk factors for dementia (for example, hearing function and air pollution) were not considered in the current analysis because such variables were not available across all studies," the researchers acknowledged. "These risk factors could have an important role in the association between loneliness and cognitive risk in later life."

Studies in this meta-analysis assessed loneliness at one point in time, and most reported only the presence or absence of loneliness, Luchetti and co-authors noted. "The large heterogeneity across study estimates points to the need to better identify moderators that explain differences across studies," they added.

• Judy George covers neurology and neuroscience news for MedPage Today, writing about brain aging, Alzheimer’s, dementia, MS, rare diseases, epilepsy, autism, headache, stroke, Parkinson’s, ALS, concussion, CTE, sleep, pain, and more. Follow

Disclosures

This study was supported by the National Institute on Aging.

Luchetti and co-authors reported no conflicts of interest.

Necka had no conflicts of interest.

Primary Source

Nature Mental Health

Source Reference: Luchetti M, et al "A meta-analysis of loneliness and risk of dementia using longitudinal data from >600,000 individuals" Nat Mental Health 2024; DOI: 10.1038/s44220-024-00328-9.

Do We Become More Lonely With Age? A Coordinated Data Analysis of Nine Longitudinal Studies

 Well, the solution to this is 100% recovery before you lose the first two groups of friends as described by Aristotle.  Your doctor's responsibility.

Aristotle believes that there are three different kinds of friendship; that of utility, friendship of pleasure, and virtuous friendship. 

The latest here:

Do We Become More Lonely With Age? A Coordinated Data Analysis of Nine Longitudinal Studies

Eileen K. Graham https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3095-4625 eileen.graham@northwestern.edu, Emorie D. Beck, […], and Anthony D. Ong https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5032-667X+9View all authors and affiliations

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https://doi.org/10.1177/09567976241242037

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Abstract

Loneliness is a pervasive experience with adverse impacts on health and well-being. Despite its significance, notable gaps impede a full understanding of how loneliness changes across the adult life span and what factors influence these changes. To address this, we conducted a coordinated data analysis of nine longitudinal studies encompassing 128,118 participants ages 13 to 103 from over 20 countries. Using harmonized variables and models, we examined loneliness trajectories and predictors. Analyses revealed that loneliness follows a U-shaped curve, decreasing from young adulthood to midlife and increasing in older adulthood. These patterns were consistent across studies. Several baseline factors (i.e., sex, marital status, physical function, education) were linked to loneliness levels, but few moderated the loneliness trajectories. These findings highlight the dynamic nature of loneliness and underscore the need for targeted interventions to reduce social disparities throughout adulthood.

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Loneliness Needs to Be Treated Like Any Other Health Condition, Researcher Suggests

Well, the solution to this is 100% recovery before you lose the first two groups of friends as described by Aristotle.  Your doctor's responsibility.

Aristotle believes that there are three different kinds of friendship; that of utility, friendship of pleasure, and virtuous friendship. 

The latest here:

Loneliness Needs to Be Treated Like Any Other Health Condition, Researcher Suggests

— Both primary and secondary prevention are essential; can include virtual and in-person solutions

by Joyce Frieden, Washington Editor, MedPage Today September 21, 2023

PHILADELPHIA -- Loneliness among both seniors and younger people is a health problem that needs more attention, Kelsey McNamara, MPH, senior director of research at Papa, an organization that provides paid companionship to people in need of social support, said at the Population Health Colloquiumopens in a new tab or window here.

"Loneliness increases the risk of premature death, independent of other kinds of physical and mental health conditions," said McNamara. "You probably have heard the statistic that loneliness is just as dangerous as smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. And the relationship between loneliness and chronic conditions is bi-directional: inflammation and the biological conditions of loneliness can lead to illness, but also, having a chronic condition and the isolated experience and disabilities that might come up also leads to loneliness."

McNamara began her talk on Tuesday with the case of Marvin Schur, a 93-year-old Bay City, Michigan man who froze to death inside his homeopens in a new tab or window in 2009 after his electricity was restricted for non-payment of bills. "He lived alone, he had multiple notices from the utility company that if he didn't pay his bill, the utilities would be shut off," she said. "Marvin was confused about how to pay these bills. He actually went to the bank and tried to pay multiple times, but the bank couldn't [accept the payments]."

"Marvin was completely isolated, and it's a shocking story," she added. "Imagine if he had just one person to confide in, someone who he could seek advice from, someone to bounce ideas off of. I would argue that if he had that one person, that would have been the difference between life and death for Marvin."

To find out more about the causes and effects of loneliness, Papa surveyed 28,000 Medicare Advantage members between January and June of this year. Of those surveyed, the average age was 72; 31% were male; and 13% were "dual eligibles" who qualified for both Medicare and Medicaid.

The survey found that more than one in three respondents (40%) had difficulty finding someone to support them in a time of need (22% said finding someone would be "somewhat difficult" and another 18% said it would be "very difficult"). Those with disabilities reported the highest level of loneliness (75%) compared to the general survey population (62%).

Loneliness was also associated with more unmet social needs and more transportation barriers. "Transportation is needed to get to medical appointments, but it's also needed to travel to social gatherings, and to get to church, family, and friends," said McNamara. "So this is not surprising."

Loneliness also was associated with more emergency department (ED) utilization, with 12% of respondents characterized as "severely lonely" qualifying as frequent ED users, compared with 7.4% of those qualifying as "lonely" and 4.1% of those who qualified as "not lonely," the survey found.

"Being hospitalized makes us more vulnerable to isolation, especially when you're recovering and mobility is limited for a while, but the inverse is also true," McNamara said. "People who are isolated are more likely to go to the hospital when it's not medically necessary. So in our sample there's a greater prevalence of ED frequent users as the degree of loneliness increases ... and the literature actually shows that people who are socially isolated are six times more likely to go to the emergency department."

Loneliness needs to be treated as a population health imperative, McNamara said, noting that Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, MBA, recently issued an advisoryopens in a new tab or window on the nation's epidemic of loneliness and isolation and the healing effects of community. "Loneliness is like an illness in that it can be episodic -- in response to significant life events or the loss of a spouse -- but it can also progress to a severe and chronic state, so we need primary prevention."

The people who are most at risk for loneliness and social isolation traditionally include women, as well as people at a lower socioeconomic status, the LGBTQ+ community, and older adults, "though now also younger adults," as well as people who have had recent losses, she said. "So can we screen and identify these people earlier and prevent them from turning into disconnected individuals?"

Secondary prevention is also needed; this is for "the people that are starting to disconnect," said McNamara. The important thing is to find the right intervention for a specific individual; for instance, "if someone has a recent loss, if we tell them to go to the community center more, that's not going to help them when what they really need is grief counseling."

Solutions should include a balance between virtual and in-person interventions. In the virtual world, there are things like Snapchat and robot pets, and while different types of interventions work for different people, "I would argue nothing can replace in-person, face-to-face" interventions, she said.

"We need to treat loneliness and social connection needs like other types of social determinants of health -- housing, transportation, and food insecurity," McNamara concluded. "We need to ensure it's a standard part of screening, and then we actually need to act on data and do something about it. And what we see again and again is that 'social prescribing' is only the first step and we need to work collaboratively with patients to help them over time."

Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions

Well, the solution to this is 100% recovery before you lose the first two groups of friends as described by Aristotle.  Your doctor's responsibility.

Aristotle believes that there are three different kinds of friendship; that of utility, friendship of pleasure, and virtuous friendship. 

The latest here:

 

Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions

Loneliness and social isolation in older adults are serious public health risks affecting a significant number of people in the United States and putting them at risk for dementia and other serious medical conditions.

A report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) points out that more than one-third of adults aged 45 and older feel lonely, and nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated.¹ Older adults are at increased risk for loneliness and social isolation because they are more likely to face factors such as living alone, the loss of family or friends, chronic illness, and hearing loss.

Loneliness is the feeling of being alone, regardless of the amount of social contact. Social isolation is a lack of social connections. Social isolation can lead to loneliness in some people, while others can feel lonely without being socially isolated.

Health Risks of Loneliness

Although it’s hard to measure social isolation and loneliness precisely, there is strong evidence that many adults aged 50 and older are socially isolated or lonely in ways that put their health at risk. Recent studies found that:

• Social isolation significantly increased a person’s risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.¹
• Social isolation was associated with about a 50% increased risk of dementia.¹
• Poor social relationships (characterized by social isolation or loneliness) was associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.¹
• Loneliness was associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.
• Loneliness among heart failure patients was associated with a nearly 4 times increased risk of death, 68% increased risk of hospitalization, and 57% increased risk of emergency department visits.¹

Immigrant, LGBT People Are at Higher Risk

The report highlights loneliness among vulnerable older adults, including immigrants; lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations; minorities; and victims of elder abuse. It also points out that the literature base for these populations is sparse and more research is needed to determine risks, impacts, and appropriate actions needed.

Current research suggests that immigrant, and lesbian, gay, bisexual populations experience loneliness more often than other groups. Latino immigrants, for example, “have fewer social ties and lower levels of social integration than US-born Latinos.” First-generation immigrants experience stressors that can increase their social isolation, such as language barriers, differences in community, family dynamics, and new relationships that lack depth or history, the report states. Similarly, gay, lesbian, and bisexual populations tend to have more loneliness than their heterosexual peers because of stigma, discrimination, and barriers to care.

What Can You Do If You Are Experiencing Loneliness?

Your doctor can assess your risk for loneliness and social isolation and get you connected to community resources for help, if needed. The following national organizations also offer helpful resources:

AARP—Provides helpful information to seniors to help improve quality of life and provides access to Community Connection Tools.

Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)—A network of over 620 organizations across America that provides information and assistance with programs including nutrition and meal programs (counseling and home-delivered or group meals), caregiver support, and more. The website can help you find your local AAA, which may provide classes in Tai Chi and diabetes self-management.

Eldercare Locator—A free national service that helps find local resources for seniors such as financial support, caregiving services, and transportation. It includes a brochure that shows how volunteering can help keep you socially connected.

National Council on Aging—Works with nonprofit organizations, governments, and businesses to provide community programs and services. This is the place to find what senior programs are available to assist with healthy aging and financial security, including the Aging Mastery Program® that is shown to increase social connectedness and healthy eating habits.

National Institute on Aging (NIA)– Provides materials on social isolation and loneliness for older adults, caregivers, and health care providers. Materials include health information, a print publication available to view or order no-cost paper copies, a health care provider flyer, and social media graphics and posts.

Health Care System Interventions Are Key

People generally are social by nature, and high-quality social relationships can help them live longer, healthier lives. Health care systems are an important, yet underused, partner in identifying loneliness and preventing medical conditions associated with loneliness.

Nearly all adults aged 50 or older interact with the health care system in some way. For those without social connections, a doctor’s appointment or visit from a home health nurse may be one of the few face-to-face encounters they have. This represents a unique opportunity for clinicians to identify people at risk for loneliness or social isolation.

NASEM recommends that clinicians periodically assess patients who may be at risk and connect them to community resources for help. In clinical settings, NASEM recommends using the Berkman-Syme Social Network Index (for measuring social isolation) and the three-item UCLA Loneliness Scale (for measuring loneliness).

But patients must make their own decisions. Some people may like being alone. It is also important to note that social isolation and loneliness are two distinct aspects of social relationships, and they are not significantly linked. Both can put health at risk, however.

Reference

¹ National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2020. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for the Health Care System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/25663.

Lower Frequency of Social Contact Linked to Lower Total Brain Volume

 You don't want less brain volume so make sure your doctor has 100% recovery protocols so you don't immediately lose the first two sets of friends as described by Aristotle.

Well, the solution to this is 100% recovery before you lose the first two groups of friends as described by Aristotle.  Your doctor's responsibility.

Aristotle believes that there are three different kinds of friendship; that of utility, friendship of pleasure, and virtuous friendship. 

The latest here:

Lower Frequency of Social Contact Linked to Lower Total Brain Volume

An increase in white matter lesions volume has also been seen.

HealthDay News — For older adults, lower frequency of social contact is associated with lower total and cognitive function-related regional brain volumes, according to a study published online July 12 in Neurology.

Naoki Hirabayashi, M.D., Ph.D., from Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, and colleagues examined the association between low frequency of social contact and volumes of various brain regions and assessed the extent to which depressive symptoms mediate these associations in a population-based study involving dementia-free community-dwelling Japanese adults aged ≥65 years. A total of 8,896 participants underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging scans and comprehensive health assessments.

Researchers found that the multivariable-adjusted mean of the total brain volume was significantly lower in the group with the lowest vs the highest frequency of social contact (67.3 vs 67.8%), with a significant increasing trend across the groups. A significant increase was also seen in white matter lesions volume with lower frequency of social contact (0.30 vs 0.26% for lowest vs highest frequency groups). Smaller volumes were seen in the temporal lobe, occipital lobe, cingulum, hippocampus, and amygdala in association with lower frequency of social contact. Depressive symptoms partially mediated the relationships, accounting for 15 to 29% of the observed associations.

“Social isolation is a growing problem for older adults,” a coauthor said in a statement. “These results suggest that providing support for people to help them start and maintain their connections to others may be beneficial for preventing brain atrophy and the development of dementia.”

One author received grants from Suntory Holdings Limited.

Related Content

Social Isolation Tied to Brain Volume in Older Adults

 

Well, the solution to this is 100% recovery before you lose the first two groups of friends as described by Aristotle.  Your doctor's responsibility.

Aristotle believes that there are three different kinds of friendship; that of utility, friendship of pleasure, and virtuous friendship. 

The latest here:

Social Isolation Tied to Brain Volume in Older Adults

Relationship between brain atrophy and social contact may be "a vicious cycle"

by Michele Sullivan, Contributing Writer, MedPage Today July 12, 2023

Frequency of social contact was tied to brain volume in cognitively normal older adults, a cross-sectional study in Japan showed.

Total brain volume was smaller in people who had the lowest frequency of social contact versus those with the highest frequency (67.3% vs 67.8%), reported Toshiharu Ninomiya, MD, of Kyushu University in Fukuoka, and co-authors in Neurologyopens in a new tab or window.

Less social contact was linked with smaller temporal lobe, occipital lobe, cingulum, hippocampus, and amygdala volumes. White matter lesion volume increased with fewer social interactions, from 0.26% in the most social group to 0.30% in the least.

Relationships between social contact and brain volumes appeared to be partly mediated by depressive symptoms, "which could be a potential mechanism underlying the link between social isolation and cognitive function or dementia," the researchers said.

The findings are in line with recent data from the Framingham Studyopens in a new tab or window, which found that dementia incidence tripled in lonely older adults who otherwise were expected to have relatively low risk. A longitudinal analysis of U.K. Biobankopens in a new tab or window participants also linked social isolation with lower brain volume and a higher risk of subsequent dementia.

Loneliness and social isolation are serious public health risks, especially in older adults, noted Alexa Walter, PhD, and Danielle Sandsmark, MD, PhD, both of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, in an accompanying editorialopens in a new tab or window.

"A National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine reportopens in a new tab or window found that more than one-fourth of adults [over] 65 years are socially isolated," Walter and Sandsmark wrote. "Social isolation has been associated with a variety of negative health outcomes including premature mortality, increased risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, increased reporting of depressive symptoms, as well as increased dementia risk and cognitive decline."

Ninomiya and co-authors evaluated MRI and survey data from 8,896 dementia-free participants in the ongoing Japan Prospective Studies Collaboration for Aging and Dementia (JPSC-ADopens in a new tab or window). Women comprised 57% of the study group, which had a mean age of 73.

Participants rated their frequency of social contact as every day, several times a week, several times a month, or seldom. They answered questions about depression, educational level, marital status, living situation, and occupation. The survey also asked about regular medications including antihypertensive or antidiabetic drugs, medical history, smoking, and exercise.

Cognitive function was higher in participants who had daily social contact compared with those who had the least contact (28 vs 27 on the Mini-Mental State Examination; scores between 25 and 30 are considered normal). Depressive symptoms were lower in the daily-contact group compared with the seldom-contact group (P<0.001).

Less social contact also was associated with lower education, unemployment, hypertension, smoking, alcohol use, and a history of cardiovascular disease.

Mediation analysis suggested that 15% to 29% of the associations between frequency of social contact and each brain volume were mediated by depressive symptoms. The direct effects of social contact frequency on brain volumes ranged from 71% to 85%, the model hypothesized.

Several mechanisms may explain the link between low social contact and brain atrophy, Ninomiya and colleagues noted. "[S]ocially isolated individuals were more prone to have diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and unhealthy lifestyles, including smoking and physical inactivity," they observed.

Decreased cognitive stimulation due to less social contact may cause brain atrophy, the researchers suggested. Fewer social interactions also could be an early symptom of structural brain changes like atrophy or white matter lesions, they pointed out.

"Since the present analysis had a cross-sectional design, causal interpretations of the association between low frequency of social contact and brain atrophy should be avoided," Ninomiya and co-authors cautioned.

"Rather, it is expected that the relationship between low frequency of social contact and brain atrophy may be bidirectional, with a vicious cycle existing between social isolation, brain atrophy, and cognitive function decline," they noted.

The analysis had other limitations, the researchers acknowledged. The survey did not collect information about loneliness, and findings may not apply to younger populations.

Disclosures

This study was supported by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development and Suntory Holdings Limited.

Ninomiya reported receiving grants from Suntory Holdings. Co-authors had nothing to disclose.

The editorialists reported no relevant disclosures.

Primary Source

Neurology

Source Reference: opens in a new tab or windowHirabayashi N, et al "Association between frequency of social contact and brain atrophy in community-dwelling older people without dementia: The JPSC-AD study" Neurology 2023; DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000207602.

Secondary Source

Neurology

Source Reference: opens in a new tab or windowWalter AE, Sandsmark D "The importance of social contact on brain atrophy among older individuals" Neurology 2023; DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000207720.

Early Origins of Frailty: Do Later-Life Social Relationships Alter Trajectories of Decline?

Well, the solution to this is 100% recovery before you lose the first two groups of friends as described by Aristotle.  Your doctor's responsibility.

Aristotle believes that there are three different kinds of friendship; that of utility, friendship of pleasure, and virtuous friendship. 

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Early Origins of Frailty: Do Later-Life Social Relationships Alter Trajectories of Decline?

Monica M. Williams-Farrelly, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0571-2651 farrelly@iu.edu and Kenneth F. Ferraro, PhDView all authors and affiliations

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https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643231185426

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Abstract

Objectives: Social relationships are widely regarded as salubrious, but do they mediate the influence of childhood experiences on frailty in later life? Drawing from cumulative inequality theory, we assess the influence of childhood experiences and adult relationships on frailty trajectories. 

Methods: We analyzed data from the Health and Retirement Study to examine the influence of six domains of childhood experiences and social relationships on frailty trajectories over 8 years. Mediation analyses were completed with structural equation models.  

Results: Risky adolescent behavior, chronic disease, and impairments during childhood are associated directly with higher risk of initial frailty, but not over time. More social roles and higher social support mediate the relationship between childhood experiences and frailty, and the effect of more social roles continues over time.  

Discussion: This study provides compelling evidence that supportive social relationships mediate the risk and severity of frailty in later life associated with noxious childhood experiences.

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Impact of Social Isolation on Neuroplasticity in Adults Post-Neurological Injury

 Well, the solution to this is 100% recovery before you lose the first two groups of friends as described by Aristotle.  Your doctor's responsibility.

Aristotle believes that there are three different kinds of friendship; that of utility, friendship of pleasure, and virtuous friendship. 

The latest here:

 Impact of Social Isolation on Neuroplasticity in Adults Post-Neurological Injury

Description

During the year 2020, a worldwide quarantine was set in place as a preventative strategy to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Michigan Health Lab in June of 2020, 56% of people over the age of 50 said they sometimes or often felt isolated from others. In comparison, this statistic increased by over 100% from the original 27% reported back in 2018 (Gavin, 2020). Social isolation (SI) has been recognized as a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality in humans and animals for more than a quarter century (CacSo the solution to this os 100% recovery, then you won'y lose the first two groups of friends as decioppo et al., 2014). Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to modify, change, and adapt both structure and function throughout life and in response to experience (Voss et al, 2017). This presentation will review social isolation and its impact on neuroplasticity in adults post-neurological injury. This poster will also review strategies that can be incorporated to maintain neuroplasticity during social isolation.

Participants will be able to:

1. Describe the relationship between neuroplasticity and social isolation.

2. Explain the importance of socialization and how it impacts brain development/growth.

3. List strategies to aid in brain plasticity after a neurological injury while being socially isolated.

References

Cacioppo, S., Capitanio, J. P., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2014). Toward a neurology of loneliness. Psychological Bulletin, 140(6), 1464–1504. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0037618

Davim, André, et al. “Environmental Enrichment as a Strategy to Confront Social Isolation under the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, vol. 14, 21 Jan. 2021, https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbeh.2020.564184.

Gavin, Kara. “Loneliness Doubled for Older Adults in First Months of COVID-19.” Www.michiganmedicine.org, 14 Sept. 2020, www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/loneliness-doubled-older-adults-first-months-covid-1 9. Accessed 8 Mar. 2023.

Lee, Paul S. N., et al. “Internet Communication versus Face-To-Face Interaction in Quality of Life.” Social Indicators Research, vol. 100, no. 3, 31 Oct. 2010, pp. 375–389, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-010-9618-3.

Liu, Jia, et al. “Impaired Adult Myelination in the Prefrontal Cortex of Socially Isolated Mice.” Nature Neuroscience, vol. 15, no. 12, 11 Nov. 2012, pp. 1621–1623, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3729624/, https://doi.org/10.1038/nn.3263.

National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine. “How Does Neuroplasticity Work? [Infographic].” NICABM, 17 Aug. 2016, www.nicabm.com/brain-how-does-neuroplasticity-work/. University at Buffalo. (2012, November 11). New form of brain plasticity: How social isolation disrupts myelin production. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 6, 2023 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121111153935.htm

Voss, Patrice, et al. “Dynamic Brains and the Changing Rules of Neuroplasticity: Implications for Learning and Recovery.” Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 8, no. 1657, 4 Oct. 2017, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01657

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

College

College of Education and Allied Health

Department

Communication Disorders and Deaf Education

Disciplines

Communication Sciences and Disorders | Speech and Hearing Science | Speech Pathology and Audiology

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Program

Speech-Language Pathology

Publication Date

Spring 2023

Publisher

Fontbonne University Archives

City

St. Louis, MO

Recommended Citation

Long, Harriett, "Impact of Social Isolation on Neuroplasticity in Adults Post-Neurological Injury" (2023). 2023 SLP Posters. 31.
https://griffinshare.fontbonne.edu/slp-posters-2023/31

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