What To Do About Family Members That May Be Dying Of Loneliness
It may have been a long time coming, but scientific research now supports the idea that it is possible for humans to die of loneliness
. This probably comes as no surprise to previous generations, for whom dying from loneliness was part and parcel of any romantic relationship. However, more recent generations have largely disregarded the idea of dying from loneliness as Victorian melodrama. Nevertheless, new research shows that there may indeed be a link to loneliness and early mortality.
Although a lot more research needs to be done on the subject, initial findings seem to suggest that people who suffer from loneliness experience significant changes in body function on a cellular level. The immune system of the body is particularly affected, with the white blood cells basically kicking into overdrive as a response to chronic inflammation. It was also found that people who are lonely are at increased risk for developing conditions affecting the immune system, and that they are more likely to develop hypertension and certain forms of cancer as well. All of these factors may lead to a significant risk of dying from loneliness.
So what is there to be done about family members that are facing this risk? The most basic, and yet possibly most important thing you can do as a concerned family member is to be there as much as possible. Quality time is most important of course, but don't disregard the benefit of quantity time either. In most cases, the lonely person is not actually in need of any specific service you can perform for them as much as they need simple companionship. Try to take some time out of your busy schedule to spend some time with your elderly loved ones, and you just may be able to reduce the risk of dying of loneliness significantly.
You might also want to find out what your elderly family member is interested in doing. Everyone has some sort of hobby or pastime, and it could be anything from reading a book to tending a garden. If you are concerned that your family member might die of loneliness, it would be worthwhile to assist him or her in engaging in a favorite pastime. If possible, you may take your family member out to a park or a zoo, or simply bring some reading materials over when you visit. These small gestures may seem insignificant, but for a person who is at risk of dying of loneliness, they may be just what they need to keep from going over the edge.
If in spite of your best efforts the loneliness still persists or if it is all too much for you to handle, it might be best to seek the aid of a professional therapist. In some cases, a lonely person may be too far gone for remedial measures that you can implement, and more intensive attention is necessary. The risk here is that the person suffering from loneliness may slip irrevocably into depression. When that happens, it is only a short tragic step to dying from loneliness.
by: Gen Wright
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