The Facts

Fall is here, winter is approaching, and the amount of daylight is decreasing. For some this can mean less time outside, more time indoors, and more social isolation. Research has found that loneliness and isolation is on the rise. In 2023 the U.S. Surgeon General published an advisory on the epidemic of loneliness and isolation, and the healing effects of social connection and community. While loneliness and isolation are related they are different. Isolation is having few social relationships and infrequent social interactions. Loneliness is a subjective internal state that occurs when we perceive our own isolation or unmet needs between what we want for social interaction and what our actual experiences are. The advisory is filled with research results and statistics supporting the significant health risk the lack of social connection poses. Here are a few worth noting. 

• Approximately half of U.S. adults report experiencing loneliness, with some of the highest rates among young adults
• Loneliness and social isolation increase the risk for premature death by 26% and 29% respectively
• Lacking social connection can increase the risk for premature death as much as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day
• Poor or insufficient social connection is associated with increased risk of disease, including a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke
• Poor or insufficient social connection is associated with increased risk for anxiety, depression, and dementia
• The lack of social connection may increase susceptibility to viruses and respiratory illness
• In a review of 40 studies of more than 60,000 older adults, an increase in loneliness was reported to be among the primary motivations for self-harm
• Chronic loneliness and social isolation can increase the risk of developing dementia by approximately 50% in older adults

The advisory also shares data on the trends of social connection over the years. With our social circles becoming smaller and levels of social participation shrinking, we appear to be becoming less socially connected over time. For example, single-person households in 2022 were up 16% from 1960; the rate of loneliness among young adults has increased every year between 1976 and 2019; in 2018 only 16% of Americans reported that they felt very attached to their local community; and studies have found that those who reported using social media for more than two hours a day had about double the odds of reporting increased perceptions of social isolation compared to those who used social media for less than 30 minutes per day.

In addition to the Surgeon General’s advisory the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation has also supported research and shared findings pertaining to loneliness. Specifically the foundation noted that the average lifespan in the U.S. started dropping a few years ago, and the drop is due to an increase in opioid-related death and suicides, which are related to loneliness. There were 8,000 deaths from opioid overdoses in 1999, compared to 50,000 last year. In addition the foundation noted that the rate of suicide in the U.S. has increased by 30% from 1999–2017. It is estimated that 162,000 Americans die every year from loneliness and social isolation, which is greater than the number of Americans who die annually from lung cancer or from stroke

Nature’s Role

The above information helps to explain why loneliness and isolation are considered an epidemic. One way to combat this epidemic is by spending time in nature. According to Silvotherapy spending time in nature, connecting with the real world, and sharing the love of the outdoors with others can reduce our loneliness and isolation. They review many of the research studies in this article. Psychology Today also shares some of the research identifying the mental health benefits of spending time in nature, including soothing loneliness, stimulating the nervous system in positive ways, and encouraging prosocial behaviors.   

A study published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that walking in nature three times a week is associated with 

• 33% lower odds of using anxiety medications
• 36% lower odds of using blood pressure pills
• 33% lower odds of using antidepressants
• 26% lower odds of using asthma medications

Combating Loneliness and Isolation Through Nature

In May 2024 we published an article about the mental health benefits of getting outdoors. You can read it here. That article included ideas of how you can spend more time in the outdoors and in nature. We thought it would be good to reshare that list.  

• Go for a hike
• Take a walk through a local nature park
• Stroll on a neighborhood walking trail 
• Go birdwatching
• Ride your bike on a wooded bike trail
• Take your dog for a walk
• Get out on the water with a kayak or boat
• Go for a run

Here are a few more ideas of how to get out in nature and combat loneliness and social isolation. 

• Get outdoors early by starting your day with a walk
• On your walk find a bench or place to chat with others
• Join a walking or hiking group in your area
• Explore new outdoor areas, such as new walking or hiking trails
• Take time to notice nature in your surroundings such as birds and various plants, trees, and flowers
• As winter approaches consider winter outdoor activities such as snowshoeing, ice skating, or skiing 

By taking some of the above steps you can see how nature can improve your mood and well-being. Experience all that nature has to offer and the many benefits of nature for yourself. Hope to see you outdoors!!