Researchers found that lonely people have blood pressure readings that are as much as 30 points higher than in non-lonely people. These findings remained even when depression and stress were taken into account. Differences in blood pressure between lonely and non-lonely people were smallest at age 50 and greatest among the oldest adults tested; those at retirement age. The ages of the participants in the study ranged from age 50 through 68.
While factors such as weight, smoking, alcohol consumption and blood pressure medications were taken into consideration in the study, lonely and non-lonely people with similar profiles in these areas had significant differences in blood pressures.
Older adults are often lonely, due to death of a spouse or close loved one, illness and mobility in our society. This research team has looked at loneliness in previous studies and found that younger lonely people differ from non-lonely people in their coping mechanisms to stress. They found that lonely people perceived stressful situations as threatening and tended to withdraw from stressful situations rather than call on help to actively deal with the stressful situation.
The National Institute on Aging is looking at the results of this study and have set a goal "to help determine what can be done to improve the quality of relationships and social connectedness as a way to ease loneliness and reduce blood pressure."
Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a major factor in stroke and heart attack. It is not only important to treat the condition but the factors that contribute to high blood pressure. Weight loss, exercise, smoking cessation and stress reduction can all help lower blood pressure. It now appears that social activity and a network of friends may be another helpful treatment.
03/28/06
Sources: Psychology and Aging; Newswise 3/2006
