Watan-A new study led by researchers at the University of Waterloo, Canada, has delivered surprising findings: older adults who reported feeling lonely were less likely to die within a year than those who did not report such feelings.
The study factored in variables such as age, chronic illnesses, and levels of care, and analyzed data from more than 380,000 individuals aged 65 and above in New Zealand, according to the Russian site Lenta.ru.
Researchers found that 15.9% of older adults in Canada and 24.4% in New Zealand reported feeling lonely. Interestingly, those who experienced loneliness were often in relatively good health but received limited support from their families.
A Conflicting Reality
Despite the unexpected correlation between loneliness and short-term mortality, the researchers stressed that loneliness remains a serious concern, negatively impacting quality of life and mental health.
They highlighted the importance of enhancing social support networks, particularly through home care services and outpatient clinics.
Loneliness, they warned, can sometimes impair cognitive functions in the elderly, due to the psychological and physical disorders it may trigger.
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