Loneliness Can Take A Toll On Your Heart

This year has taken a dramatic toll on many of our social lives. Social plans and family gatherings have been put on hold, and many of us are left feeling more isolated than we have ever felt before. Social isolation, also referred to as perceived social isolation, can negatively affect your health at any age.

In a study conducted by The Heart Center, University Denmark Hospital,   Patients with coronary artery disease, arrhythmia heart failure, and heart valve disease were analyzed. The patients from this group who reported feelings of perceived social isolation experienced worse symptoms, regardless of the type of heart failure they had.

Loneliness impacted women at a double mortality rate compared to the male patients. The outcomes of this study showed that those who felt perceived isolation were three times more likely to have symptoms of anxiety and depression and had a much lower quality of life than those who did not report symptoms of isolation.

So, what can you do to beat loneliness and stay social?

• Volunteer: Help others and the community while meeting new people. Check out these places in Jacksonville that you can get involved volunteering: https://bit.ly/2SVlIqM
• Take a class: did you know Medicare recipients get free access to SilverSneakers fitness classes. Click here to find a class near you! https://bit.ly/3dvzMRh
• Reach out to old friends: invite an old friend to get a coffee with you. Reconnecting with friends is a great way to rebuild your social circle