Lonely older adults may have high BP

"Loneliness behaved as though it is a unique health-risk factor in its own right," lead researcher of the study Louise Hawkley was quoted by DNA as saying. "Loneliness predicts increased blood pressure.”

Hawkley, senior research scientist with the Center for Cognitive and Social Neuroscience, is a part of the University of Chicago research team that has been doing pioneering work on the impact of loneliness on health and quality of life issues.

Details of the study
Researchers from the University of Chicago enrolled 229 people in the age group of 50-68 from among whites, African-Americans, and Latinos, and followed them up for five years to come up with this finding.

For the study, the participants were inquired for signs of loneliness and the connections/relationships they shared with others.

To facilitate the analysis, they were even asked to rate their connections with others through a series of topics, such as "I have a lot in common with the people around me," "My social relationships are superficial," and "I can find companionship when I want it," reported the Times of India.

Other risk factors of high blood pressure, like stress and depression, were also taken into account but these were unable to explain the increase in blood pressure among lonely elderly aged 50 and above.

Outcome of the study
On completion of the study period, the researchers found a significant association between loneliness and increasing cases of high blood pressure over that period.

It was found those who reported feeling the loneliest saw a sharp rise in their blood pressure levels by 14.4 mm more than their socially contented counterparts.

The researchers concluded that the individuals’ continuous fear of solitude can trigger increased blood pressure levels over a period of time.

"Loneliness is characterized by a motivational impulse to connect with others but also a fear of negative evaluation, rejection and disappointment," Hawkley said. "We hypothesize that threats to one's sense of safety and security with others are toxic components of loneliness, and that hypervigilance for social threat may contribute to alterations in physiological functioning, including elevated blood pressure."

Past evidence shows loneliness is a serious health condition. It has been associated with an increased risk of cancer, stroke, and cardiovascular events.

Lonely people also suffer from a poor quality sleep, and anti-social and self-destructive behavior.

The study appears in the Journal Psychology and Aging.