Isolated men and their health: why loneliness hurts more…
Monday, April 22, 2024.
Men facing breakup, separation, or prolonged solitude are not just dealing with emotional turmoil—they're also at risk for serious physical health issues.
A 2022 Danish study tracking nearly 5,000 middle-aged folks over two decades revealed that men who live alone for extended periods exhibit higher levels of inflammatory markers in their blood, indicators linked to deteriorating physical health.
The study found a direct correlation between the number of relationship breakups men experienced and the duration of their solitary living with increased levels of inflammatory markers.
These markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), signal chronic tissue irritation in the body, which is associated with a range of health problems such as arteriosclerosis, dementia, and heightened mortality rates.
Additionally, even a minor but persistent elevation in CRP levels is linked to an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease, a trend particularly pronounced among the men in this study.
Women, on the other hand, do not seem to suffer the same physical consequences following separation or divorce, according to this large study.
This disparity could be attributed to women's tendency to actively seek companionship to alleviate loneliness.
Women who live alone tend to maintain a robust social network, which may serve as a buffer against the negative health effects seen in men.
Professor Rikke Lund, co-author of the study, highlighted the need for targeted interventions to support men during breakups or prolonged periods of living alone. While it's essential for all humans to prioritize their mental health and well-being, the study underscores the importance of maintaining social connections to mitigate the potential physical repercussions of isolation.
Loneliness and poor health are not exclusive to men in unhappy relationships. Both men and women can suffer physically and mentally when faced with inadequate social interactions. However, the study emphasizes the critical role of social contact, particularly for men, in maintaining good health.
While the findings highlight the health risks associated with isolation, it's important to note that not all humans experience negative health effects from living alone.
Those who actively seek social interactions and maintain meaningful relationships can often offset the detrimental effects of solitude.
Final thoughts
Recognizing that staying in unhappy relationships is not the solution is crucial. Humans can waste decades in unworthy relationships of dubious value. Please don’t ask me how I know.
Poor relationships can also lead to adverse health outcomes, both physically and mentally. Instead, emotionally isolated humans should strive to balance solitude and social connection, ensuring they have a supportive network to lean on during challenging times, especially with self-absorbed, unsupportive partners.
One of the study's key findings is the gender disparity in seeking out social contact...
Women, according to Professor Lund, are more inclined to actively seek the company of others compared to men.
This inclination may explain why women who live alone tend to have more social interactions, whereas men in similar situations may be less likely to reach out for companionship.
To address these issues, Professor Lund suggests the implementation of targeted initiatives aimed at supporting men during periods of breakup or prolonged solitary living. These initiatives could include programs promoting social engagement and providing men with resources to build and maintain meaningful social connections.
While the study highlights the physical health risks associated with isolation, it also emphasizes the importance of social contact in maintaining overall health and well-being. By recognizing the unique challenges men face in seeking social connections, we can develop strategies to support them and ultimately improve their health outcomes.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
RESEARCH:
Davidsen K, Carstensen S, Kriegbaum M, et al
Do partnership dissolutions and living alone affect systemic chronic inflammation? A cohort study of Danish adults
J Epidemiol Community Health 2022;76:490-496.
