Loneliness is roughly as harmful to health as smoking, obesity, or a lack of exercise. The World Health Organization named loneliness as an important public health concern of the 21st century.

Loneliness shortens the lives of older people, impairs mental and physical health, reduces quality of life, and has negative effects on the cardiovascular system.

Especially after a stroke or when living with a chronic disease, it is important to maintain social contacts in order to sustainably promote wellbeing.

1 – Look for a new hobby

Even with a physical or mental impairment, there are recreational activities that can be fun. What about painting, writing your own blog, or learning an instrument? In many places, there are also sports activities for people with disabilities, such as hand cycling, wheelchair tennis, and climbing. Engaging in physical activities has many positive effects on health and also helps people make new social contacts.

2 – Join a support group

In most big cities there are support groups on various themes. Some support groups offer support, networking, and exchange also online. There are also support groups specifically for loneliness.

3 – Renew old contacts

When did you last see your best friend from school days? A long time ago? Why not try to get in touch with them?

Other people may also have problems. Mutual exchange can be positive for both sides. If calling is too much of a hurdle, take a look on Social Media and find out if the person is registered. Social Media makes initial contact in a more subtle way possible.

4 – Use the internet

It is easy to find new contacts on the internet. For every disease or disability, there are forums and blogs where people communicate, support each other, and exchange tips. Google is the first place to look for.

5 – Engage in voluntary activities

There are many institutions or social groups that are happy to receive volunteers. Perhaps they need help with office activities, photography, or social media. Be proactive and ask!

6 – Get a pet

The feel-good hormone oxytocin is not only released when being touched by other people but also when cuddling a pet. When taking a dog for a walk, conversations with other dog owners come quite naturally. Also volunteering as a dog-walker for animal centers is possible.

7 – Treat yourself to a massage

Gentle touching is the cheapest and simplest method for strengthening wellbeing and reducing stress. Touch triggers the release of oxytocin, the so-called cuddle hormone.

High doses of oxytocin cause mothers to quickly forget the pain after giving birth.

Massages reduce feelings of anxiety, even after the treatment is over. Ask your partner or close relatives whether they have ever given a hand massage. It is quite normal for them to be astonished by this question. After a first hesitancy, most relatives are grateful for concrete instructions on how to help. 

In the fight against loneliness it is necessary to be honest with yourself. Can I do something against loneliness on my own? Do I need professional support? Frank conversations with care personnel, family members or doctors can be a first step towards improvement.

Author: Michaela Partel

Sources:

The growing problem of loneliness (2018)

WHO – Social Isolation and Loneliness

Oxytocin and Stress: Neural Mechanisms, Stress-Related Disorders, and Therapeutic Approaches (2019)

A qualitative study-Patient experience of tactile massage after stroke (2020)