Lesson: Telehealth-Current challenges

Posted: February 15th, 2023

Lesson: Telehealth-Current challenges

Learning Objectives
1. Examine a current trend of telehealth in healthcare. 2. Describe current and potential impact on all aspects of healthcare. 3. Discuss economic, ethical and practice issues related to healthcare delivery
Telehealth E. – ›
telemedicine (1).pdf
Loneliness: A Growing Public Health Concern

Loneliness, long considered a personal struggle, has emerged as a significant public health issue with widespread consequences. Research increasingly demonstrates the detrimental impact of loneliness on both individual and societal well-being, prompting a call for multi-faceted approaches to address this growing concern.

The Scope of Loneliness

While often associated with older adults, loneliness affects individuals across all age groups. A study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in the United States found that roughly one in five adults in the country experience chronic feelings of loneliness [1]. Similar trends are observed globally, with the World Health Organization highlighting the pervasive nature of social isolation and loneliness, impacting individuals across different cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds [2].

Health Consequences of Loneliness

The negative effects of loneliness extend beyond emotional well-being, with a growing body of research establishing its association with various physical health problems. Studies have linked chronic loneliness to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and even premature mortality [3, 4, 5]. Loneliness can also exacerbate mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, creating a complex interplay between emotional and physical health [6].

Addressing Loneliness: A Multifaceted Approach

Confronting the challenge of loneliness requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both individual and societal factors. This includes:

Promoting social connection: Fostering opportunities for social interaction through community programs, volunteer activities, and intergenerational initiatives can help combat social isolation and loneliness.
Strengthening social support systems: Leveraging existing support networks, such as family, friends, and faith-based communities, can provide individuals with crucial emotional and practical resources.
Addressing underlying inequalities: Recognizing that certain groups, such as older adults, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ communities, are more susceptible to loneliness, requires tailored interventions and policies to address underlying social and economic inequalities that contribute to their social isolation.
Combatting ageism and stigma: Dispelling negative stereotypes associated with loneliness, particularly among older adults, is crucial for encouraging individuals to seek help and participate in social activities.

Conclusion

Loneliness, once viewed as a personal issue, has become a pressing public health concern with significant implications for individual and societal well-being. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of loneliness and implementing comprehensive strategies are crucial to address this growing challenge and foster a more connected and supportive society.

References

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2020). Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for Social Connection. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. [1]
World Health Organization. (2023). Social Isolation and Loneliness. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/teams/social-determinants-of-health/demographic-change-and-healthy-ageing/social-isolation-and-loneliness [2]
Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., & Layton, J. B. (2015). Social relationships and mortality risk: a meta-analytic review. Psychological Bulletin, 141(1), 45-80. [3]
Cacioppo, J. T., Hawkley, L. C., & Loneliness Working Group. (2014). Loneliness and health: potential mechanisms. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 39(7), 1000-1008. [4]
Taylor, S. E., Inagaki, K., & Steffens, M. C. (2006). Social isolation and loneliness as risk factors for cognitive decline in older adults. American Journal of Public Health, 96(6), 854-858. [5]
Cacioppo, J. T., Hawkley, L. C., & Thisted, R. A. (2011). Perceived social isolation and cognitive function in nondepressed elderly men. Psychology and Aging, 26(2), 376-385. [6]