People are among the most social creatures on earth. Even in their most primitive state, people naturally form dense webs of social and family ties that sustain and drive their culture and their very survival. This drive for human connections is as old as recorded history. The second chapter of Genesis asserts, “It is not good that the man should be alone.”
Yet a new study published in the American Sociological Review1 reveals that more people in the United States appear to be more alone than at any time in recent history. According to the latest census figures, 27.2 million households ? a quarter of the total ? are occupied by only one person.
In addition, while Americans reported having three close friends in 1985, today they report having only two. The number of people who claim to have no friends went from 10 percent in 1985 to 25 percent in 2004. Almost 20 percent said they had only one deep relationship, and often that person was a spouse.
And that may be the most worrisome situation, since such a person may be left completely alone when the husband or wife dies.
Loneliness is not just an inconvenience. According to an Associated Press2 report, numerous experts have shown that loneliness increases the risk of disease and depression and suppresses the immune system.
The National Co-Morbidity Survey shows that men suffer more than women after the death of a spouse. Men are typically not as good at being alone. In addition, they have not usually built up the same social networks that women create, which can take a toll on their health. For example, Harvard researchers last year discovered elevated levels of blood markers for heart disease in men who live alone.
Among people of both genders, living alone appears to be linked to poor health. A recent study in the journal Psychology and Aging3 shows that the risk of high blood pressure increases dramatically in the more than 11 million Americans over 50 who are lonely.
Not just the elderly are at risk. Divorce and job relocation contribute to isolation, and even college students may find themselves alone in an unfamiliar environment. The National Institute on Aging found that even younger adults who are lonely show deterioration of blood vessels that could lead to high blood pressure later in life.
In addition, people’s lives are busier today and they move more frequently, which discourages many individuals from taking the necessary time to form deep relationships. People work and commute more and rely on e-mail instead of face-to-face contact. Sites like Facebook and MySpace connect people, but only in superficial ways that don’t necessarily satisfy the fundamental need for real human contact.
In light of this trend, we foresee the following four developments:
First, numerous institutions will take an active role in raising awareness of the need for social connection to maintain good health. Just as quitting smoking, eating well, and exercising have become commonplace, people will become increasingly focused on the need to be part of a social group.
Second, Americans will continue to do more volunteer work in an effort to stay connected. Harnessing the power of relationships to do something beneficial for society is now recognized as a road to a healthier life. Harvard scientists point out that “having a purpose” is an antidote to the ill effects of loneliness.
Third, awareness of the health benefits of social connection will increase attendance at churches, especially in people over 40. While there has been great a effort to createchurch youth groups for decades, new emphasis is being placed on creating a social matrix for people who are lonely in mid-life and later. Churches are an obvious setting in which to do that. For example, Catholic Singles Ministry in Phoenix now attracts dozens of people to its prayer breakfasts, bowling nights, and food bank volunteer efforts. Parkcrest Christian Church in Long Beach, California, hosts 150 people between 35 and 65 for its singles ministry. And, the adult singles ministry at Christ Church in Oakbrook, IL attracts 300 or more people every Wednesday night.
Fourth, while the Internet has provided a new way for people to connect, it will not become a complete substitute for face-to-face friendships and close relationships. As the health benefits of socializing become more widely recognized, expect to find entrepreneurial opportunities arising from novel ways to bring people together. Such events might be connected with health clubs, sports, or concerts. References List : 1. American Sociological Review, June 2006, “Social Isolation in America: Changes in Core Discussion Networks over Two Decades,” by Miller McPherson, Lynn Smith-Lovin, and Matthew E. Brashears. ⓒ Copyright 2006 by the American Sociological Association. All rights reserved. 2. Associated Press, August 6, 2006, “Lonely Nation,” by David Crary. ⓒ Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. 3. Psychology and Aging, March 2006, “Loneliness Is a Unique Predictor of Age-Related Differences in Systolic Blood Pressure,” by Louise C. Hawkley, Christopher M. Masi, Jarett D. Berry, and John T. Cacioppo. ⓒ Copyright 2006 by the American Psychological Association. All rights reserved.
