Chronic Illness can Make You Feel Lonely: Research

Researchers have found a link between a chronic disease and feeling of social isolation.

The new study by Concordia University claims that the onset of chronic illness often results in sufferers feeling lonelier, even for those who have had a steady partner for 50 years or more.

Chronic Illness of Developed Countries, Now also in Developing Nations
Some of the chronic illnesses that were prevalent in the developed world, is now also being problematic for the developing countries, say researchers.

Researchers at the Personality, Aging, and Health Lab at Concordia took on the study because they found that, while plenty of research examined the effect of loneliness on illness, there was a lack of empirical evidence about whether or not illness contributes to loneliness.

Meaghan Barlow, the study's first author said that they were surprised by the amount of literature that examined whether people who are lonely are more likely to get sick.

The study revealed that they often feel lonely when they advance in age, and that it happens regardless of being in a long-term relationship when faced with a bleak diagnosis.

Chronic Illnesses: A Concern for Developing Nations
Developing countries are now facing the burden of chronic illnesses given the changing diets, reduced physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption

Barlow and her co-author, Sarah Liu, measured changes in loneliness between 2004 and 2012 in a sample of 121 older adults who were mostly in their 70s.

Looking at the numbers provided some insights into how self-protective strategies can reduce the stress associated with a serious health issue. In particular, positively reappraising a difficult health situation and not blaming oneself for the illness prevented feelings of loneliness, most likely because it helps maintain motivation for social involvement and prevents depressive symptoms.