New research reinforces other studies that show loneliness and isolation harm human health. Once the province of proverbs and poets, scientists are now the experts on lonely spirits.
The latest study found that loneliness in people over 50 greatly increases their risk of high blood pressure.
The link between loneliness and health problems has long been documented.
“Loneliness breaks the spirit,” according to a Jewish proverb.
Sometimes in our rush to measure, prove and quantify supposedly new-found medical troubles, we forget the simple wisdom of the ages. Many Americans would rather admit to a physical problem than confess to loneliness. Which is why loneliness is studied, but people remain lonely, and get sick. Most often, connections with family, friends, neighbors, church members and pets are the antidote to our illness and also the best preventive medicine.
A Basque proverb says it well: “Mountains don’t need mountains, but humans need humans.”
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