Loneliness can be the experience of the whole body-yes, we said “body”.
“Loneliness is more than a simple feeling – it is a signal from your brain, like hunger or thirst, telling you that something is missing,” explains D -r Ernesto Lira de la Rosa, Doctor of SciencesPsychologist and hope for a media adviser at the Foundation for the Study of Depression. “When we feel lonely, our bodies can react as if we are stressed, releasing hormones such as cortisol, which can harm us over time.”
In fact, the former US surgeon General D -R Vivek quotes data in a consultant in 2023, which shows that social interruption has a similar effect on health such as smoking 15 cigarettes a day -more significant than lack of physical activity and obesity.
People of all ages can – and do – loneliness of loneliness, but it can become particularly pronounced with advancing age. Children leave home, relatives and friends can pass and they may start to feel forgotten. However, loneliness and its signs are more difficult to notice than those related to smoking.
“Loneliness is not always obvious,” explains Dr. Lira de la Rosa. “Someone may look busy or cheerful, but still feels deeply off.”
D -Lira de la Rosa says that understanding signs and subtle behaviors related to loneliness can help us help our loved ones before it becomes serious, chronic physical and mental health. Here, two psychologists share traits under the radar of people who become more lonely as you get older.
Related: 6 behaviors that signal to a lonely person, according to psychologists
10 subtle features of people who become more alone with advancing age, according to psychologists
1. Increased technology reading
Technology can encourage the connection. Ironically, this is also a sign of interruption.
“Excessive use or excessive reading of digital forms of communication can sometimes replace more meaningful face-to-face interactions,” says Dr. Holly Schiff, Psy.d.Licensed clinical psychologist. “This may be an attempt to fill the void, but the person can still feel excluded or dissatisfied because texts and calls can lead to a hollow sense of connection, leaving them to feel lonely in these interactions.”
D -Lira de la Rosa says that a retired grandparents are an excellent example on Facebook or sending messages to their family every day. It voices the moods of D -R -Ciff – they are probably looking for interactions that pass in real life.
2. Excessive watching TV
The use of social media and smartphones are not the only screen-related activities in which lonely people participate more often.
“Television or hobbies can become a way to pass time without dealing with their emotional needs,” says Dr. Lira de la Rosa. “For example, the pensioner can watch news or play shows, finding comfort in the predictability of these combinations.”
3. Too nostalgically
It’s fun to remember. Talking about the past can more than usually be a sign that one wants to still live in it, because they are more alone in the present.
“If one feels lonely, they can find comfort in the past, an excessive housing during this period and feel nostalgic,” says Dr. Schiff. “It may have been a time when they had social relationships and more thoughtful relationships. In order to cope with the isolation of the present, they tend to focus on memories for better times.”
Related: People who feel lonely as children usually develop these 13 traits as adults, say psychologists
4. Common complaints about minor health problems
The cry for help may not be for physical reasons (after all – because loneliness can contribute to them).
“Physical disorders can sometimes mask emotional pain or serve as a way to seek attention and care,” says Dr. Lira de la Rosa.
For example, he adds that a more adult adult may often mention to feel tired or ill, explaining that they may try to cause concern and start conversations to feel less alone.
5. The sudden interest in talking to strangers
There is nothing in nature to talk about the ear carrier’s ear, especially if this is the “normal” of that person. However, this is something that should be noted, especially if it looks sudden, of character and chronic.
“Careless conversations can feel like a rescue line when there are no deeper relationships,” says Dr. Lira de la Rosa.
6. Changes in eating habits
Are they hungry from usual? Are you trying to lose weight? Get sick? These questions may (understandably) go through your head if you notice that a loved one is overeating or subjected. However, the pound de la Rosa says that this can also be a virtuous behavior in someone who feels isolated.
“Food can become a source of comfort or control in the absence of social interaction,” he explains.
7. No help is required
People who become older and more alone may be less inclined to ask for help. This behavior can cause a vicious cycle that is easy to neglect, as independence is often regarded as “healthy” and “desired”.
“They may not be inclined to ask for help because of a deep sense of pride; they do not want to load others with their problems,” says Dr. Schiff. “Even if they need help, they can avoid wanting it, which leads to further isolation. They prefer to do everything themselves, even with the cost of their well-being.”
8. Excessive attachment to pets and objects
Yes, pets are becoming more and more like family members these days. However, keep track of your loved one if they show behavior like talking about their dogs as if they were a human or spending much more time by looking at an old album with photos.
“Pets or sentimental things can fill the emotional void left by human relationships,” says Dr. Lira de la Rosa.
9. Loss of interest in hobbies or interests
This behavior can present finely as a overgrown garden or lack of a book on the nightstand of a lifelong book worm.
“Loneliness can lead to a reduced sense of goal that causes people to lose interest in hobbies or activities they have ever enjoyed,” says Dr. Cif. “They will not feel fulfilled and this can further immortalize the feeling of isolation and loneliness.”
10. Too pleasantly or pleasant for people behavior
People can show this behavior for various reasons, including an increased sense of isolation.
“They may be afraid to lose what a small relationship they have, so they give priority to the pleasant ones of others to express their own needs.” He says Dr. Lira de la Rosa.
Related: 11 phrases that signal to a lonely person, according to psychologists
# 1 that you can encourage a lonely loved one
D -Lira de la Rosa advises people to encourage their friend or family member who feels lonely to join an activity in a community or group that is aligned with their interests. It does not rediscover the wheel, but it is useful.
“Shared activities create opportunities for natural connections without the pressure of one in one,” says Dr. Lira de la Rosa. “For example, joining a book club, the gardening group or the pedestrian club gives people a reason to gather regularly and build relationships over time.”
It also serves as an important reminder.
“Loneliness often makes people feel like the only ones who feel this way, but to be part of a group reminds them that they are not alone,” says Dr. Lira de la Rosa. “Even small, consistent interactions can have a great influence on their emotional well -being.”
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Related: Psychologists ask people to pay attention to these 11 early signs of loneliness