Posted: November 3rd, 2022

Effects of Total Isolation on Health

Effects of Total Isolation on Health
Isolation can take a toll on both physical and mental well-being. While everyone experiences some level of isolation at times, total isolation where an individual has no social contact or interaction for extended periods can be detrimental. Those in solitary confinement, migrants undergoing mandatory quarantines, and older adults experiencing social disengagement are particularly at risk of negative health consequences from complete isolation.
Cognitive and Mental Health Impacts
Prolonged total isolation has been shown to impair cognitive development and lead to cognitive decline over time (Coyle & Dugan, 2012). It also contributes to poor sleep quality and increased anxiety levels in isolated individuals. Social isolation is a risk factor for depression, and those who experience forced isolation against their will may be susceptible to post-traumatic stress disorder even after isolation ends.
Physical Health Risks
A lack of social connections puts physically isolated people at higher risk for cardiovascular issues like strokes and heart disease due to disruptions in cardiovascular functioning (Miyawaki, 2015). Total isolation also weakens immunity and has been linked to premature mortality. It can bring on hallucinations, panic attacks, and difficulties with information processing.
Health Risk Comparisons
Research indicates health risks from social isolation are on par with those from obesity and smoking (Coyle & Dugan, 2012). Isolation is a source of stress, and lonely individuals may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms like heavy alcohol use. Around 40% of dementia cases have social isolation as a contributing factor. Prolonged activation of stress responses due to loneliness can damage the immune system over the long-term.
Mitigating Isolation’s Harms
Socially isolated individuals tend to have more inflammation and weaker immunity than those who maintain social ties. Perceived lack of productivity in older adults contributes to their isolation as well (Miyawaki, 2015). Staying active through exercise, meditation, outdoor activities, hobbies, and social engagement can help offset the mental and physical toll of isolation according to recent studies. Support programs for isolated older adults may also help minimize health risks.
In summary, total isolation should be avoided due to its numerous adverse health effects. Maintaining social connections and finding constructive ways to spend time can promote well-being for all ages.
References
Coyle, C. E., & Dugan, E. (2012). Social isolation, loneliness and health among older adults. Journal of aging and health, 24(8), 1346-1363. research paper writing service
Miyawaki, Christina E. “Association of social isolation and health across different racial and ethnic groups of older Americans.” Ageing and society 35.10 (2015): 2201.
Abad, C., A. Fearday, and N. Safdar. “Adverse effects of isolation in hospitalised patients: a systematic review.” Journal of hospital infection 76.2 (2010): 97-102.

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