Corrections_Today_Summer_2024_Vol.86_No.2

OFFICE OF CORRECTIONAL HEALTH

Loneliness: Statistics reveal health risks

Studies shows poor social relationships (social isolation, poor social support, loneli ness) were associated with a 29% increase in the risk of heart disease and a 32% increase in the risk of stroke.

Chronic loneliness and social isolation can increase the risk of developing dementia by approximately 50% in older adults

The rate of loneliness among young adults has increased every year between 1976 and 2019.

Lacking social connec tion can increase the

risk for premature death as much as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.

Man on bench: Adobe Stock/Bora; Social network: Adobe Stock/apinan

Mann F, Wang J, Pearce E, et al. (2022). Loneliness and the onset of new mental health problems in the general population. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 57(11):2161-2178. Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community (2023). https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/ surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pd The Benefits of a Social Media Break, Plus 30 Things to Do Instead (2024). Healthline Media. Social Media Breaks: Benefits, Tips, and How to Set Boundaries (healthline.com) Wong, B. and Bottorff, J. (2024). Top Social Media Statistics And Trends Of 2024 — Forbes Advisor

2. Minimize distraction during conversation to increase the quality of the time you spend with others (e.g. don’t check your phone during meals with others). 3. Seek out opportunities to serve and support others and actively engage with people of different backgrounds and experiences. 4. Be responsive, supportive, and practice gratitude. As we practice these behaviors, others are more likely to reciprocate, improving the quality of our connections. 5. Participate in social and com munity groups such as fitness, religious, hobby, professional, civic and community service organizations to foster a sense of belonging, meaning, and purpose.

6. Reduce practices that lead to feelings of disconnection from others, including harmful and excessive social media use. 7. Reflect the core values of con nection in how you approach others in conversation and through the actions you take. Be authentic and empathetic in your connections. Investing these Loneliness Ghostbusters in your 401K Mental Wellbeing Plan today will pay the human connection dividends you need for the rest of your life! CT REFERENCES Bazen, A and Schmitt, K. (2023). Cell phone statistics 2024. Cell Phone Statistics 2024 | ConsumerAffairs® Holt-Lunstad J. (2018). Why Social Relationships Are Important for Physical Health: A Systems Approach to Understanding and Modifying Risk and Protection. Annu Rev Psychol. 69:437-458.

Dean Aufderheide has master degrees in Theology and Public Administration and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology.

He served for nearly 20 years as the Director of

Mental Health for the Florida Department of Corrections

and has been the Director of Mental Health for the American Correctional Association since 2022.

Summer 2024 | Corrections Today

89