Danger of social isolation for elderly

Researchers from the United States found out that in the resuscitation department of socially isolated elderly people are much higher than the risk of becoming disabled or die than those who contact families and friends. The article of scientists was published in Jama Internal Medicine magazine.

Scientists from Yale and Maryland universities analyzed data on the health of 997 patients aged from 66 to 102 years translated into resuscitation from 2011 to 2018. Research participants asked questions about their social interactions – whether they communicate with family and friends on important issues, whether they attend them, whether they participate in public events. The level of social insulation was measured on a scale from one to six points.

The average score of social insulation was equal to three. It turned out that each additional score corresponded to an increase in the risk of disabilities by seven percent, and death was 14 percent. The most socially isolated elderly people after they have fallen into intensive care, the risk of disabilities has increased by 50 percent, and death in a year – by 119 percent. More than one of three people whose social isolation was higher, died three years after the discharge, which is three – five times more average, found out researchers.

/Media reports.