This article from an Indian news source discusses a recent study that links a less effective immune system to loneliness. According to the research lonely people are more likely to get heart disease, certain types of cancer, infections, and dementia. The leader of this study, Steve Cole who is a molecular biologist from UCLA tested 153 volunteers by asking them a series of questions that could rate their loneliness on a scale. He then studied the white blood cell count of the top and bottom 15 percent of scorers and found that lonely people had a significantly lower level of white blood cells. He then compared 22,000 human genes and found that 209 genes were constantly expressed in the group of lonely people. Mr. Cole said that this study shows that social isolation really can affect the inner workings of our mind and body and create a lot of detrimental problems. There is hope for the future that in time we'll be able to treat the more severe problems that loneliness causes with drugs or therapy.
This actually seems to make sense. When you're happy, it seems as if you're healthy. Its interesting how it goes down to the molecular level. That genes are actually linked to being lonely. Proof that all humans need some sort of social interaction.
ReplyDeleteAre these genes causing the loneliness and the immunity problems? If a person can feel lonely even when surrounded by a crowd of people, or if a person can be content by themselves, then what defines this loneliness? Where does this loneliness come from? How much loneliness does it take to cause these health issues? I understand that the test subjects were in their 50's and 60's, but were they lonely their whole life, or off and on, or a few years? I feel like this study creates more questions then it provides answers.
ReplyDeleteI used to work in nursing home. The elderly were pretty cool but pretty nasty too. I remember many of the one who were quiet and to themselves seemed to have passed away alot sooner that those who were open activities especially the social ones. I know that when i walked through there i would always smile at everyone even the meanest. Interesting the more a smile to them the more they seemed to be happier.
ReplyDeleteThis seems to be more psychological. Most people who are happier feel more motivated to live. They find joy in life and are more positive to keeping themselves alive longer.
ReplyDeleteMaybe the lonely people have a less effective immune system because of them not really interacting with people they are more susceptible to getting sick and falling ill.
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