Loneliness can fuel depression in older adults, and experts estimate that as many as 10 million older Americans suffer from depression.
Now, a new study suggests information technology, specifically use of the Internet, among the elderly can reduce the chances of depression by more than 30 percent.
Researchers followed the lives of thousands of retired older Americans reviewing data collected by the Health and Retirement Survey — a survey collecting information from more than 22,000 older Americans every two years.
“The 30 percent reduction is a very strong effect,” said Shelia Cotten, Ph.D., a Michigan State University professor of telecommunication, information studies and media who led the project.
“And it all has to do with older persons being able to communicate, to stay in contact with their social networks, and just not feel lonely.”
Losing interest in hobbies and other activities in older age could be an early sign of dementia, according to scientists.
Apathy in older people suggests a loss of grey matter and offers doctors a new tool with which to identify a group of the population at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
A study showed elderly people who are apathetic but not suffering depression have shrinking amounts of grey and white matter – neurons in the brain that control memory and communication respectively.
1) Councils need to team up with partners to combat loneliness; they cannot go it alone
We know that loneliness can harm a person’s mental and physical health. Communities with high levels of social capital have better results in health and education attainment and can enjoy greater levels of social cohesion. For these reasons (among others), loneliness needs to be a key priority for councils.
But loneliness is multifaceted, so local authorities cannot do this alone. It will be vital for councils to work in partnership with community groups, local faith groups, the voluntary sector and the private sector. Local knowledge and local relationships will be critical to offer the personal approach required to support those suffering from loneliness.
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