How To Combat Loneliness

If you feel lonely, please know you’re not alone! Loneliness does not discriminate. The wealthiest, richest and most famous of people may feel lonely as well. Senior citizens seem to be affected most.

In less serious instances, a person who feels lonely may resort to binge eating or eating a tub of ice cream in front of the television. In some instances, when the feeling of loneliness is more severe, depression (in varying degrees) may occur.
Severe cases of depression or loneliness may result in increased inflammation-related genes, which trigger a variety of illness.

In a recent study by UCLA professor, Steve Cole, an eight-week prescription for mindfulness-based stress reduction meditation resulted in a decrease in loneliness in seniors.

In this study, a group of 40 adults between the ages of 55 and 85, were assigned to either a meditation group or a control group that did not meditate. Among the participants, those who attended regular meetings in which they were taught techniques in mindful awareness and breathing techniques, were also taught to practice mindful meditation for a half-hour each day for eight weeks. The result: those who took part in the meditation group reported feeling less lonely, and their blood levels showed reduced appearance of inflammation related illnesses.

Cole said that “although the study consisted of a small sample of individuals, it is the first evidence showing that a psychological intervention that decreases loneliness also reduces pro-inflammatory gene expression.” He went on to say that “mindfulness-based stress reduction could be a valuable tool to improve the quality of life for many elderly.”

For more on mindful meditation or guided imagery CDs, please visit: http://thecalmingcollection.com.

(Source: Day Spa Magazine, December 2012 edition, pg. 30).