I wonder whether it is isolation or a negative perception of solitude that is the issue. In other words, if you don’t mind being alone and aren’t miserable and depressed, is it still dangerous to the health to be alone?
There haven’t really been any studies about that which i know of. By and large if there are studies I imagine they would typically center around those who are depressed as a result of being along.
“I wonder whether it is isolation or a negative perception of solitude that is the issue”
I am glad you are asking this question.
However, I think there is a better question to ask.
The question is.
Do people who are more isolated have something wrong with them that makes them isolated and they die (suppose they have a disease that causes fatigue, or they have no money and can’t dress or act properly).
Or is it that People who are otherwise healthy, happy, and have money and clothes but choose to be alone are unhealthy and die of choosing to be alone.
Put it another way. If you have no money and can’t go out much do you die of no money or do you die of being more alone.
I wonder whether it is isolation or a negative perception of solitude that is the issue. In other words, if you don’t mind being alone and aren’t miserable and depressed, is it still dangerous to the health to be alone?
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Good observation!
I’m 71, been divorced for 19 years and live in my mortgage paid house with no medical problems or prescription meds. Daughter and grandkids live 15 miles away, (while now estranged sister and BIL) are 30 miles away.
I’m sorta a ‘recluse’, since none of my family has been in my house for 12 years. I enjoy being alone. I can read, do TV, do internet, eat, wear whatever clothing I want, sleep whenever I choose, etc., without having to make the place look nice and clean to accommodate visitors.
I’m not depressed in any way. I enjoy the privacy and freedom to do what I want, when I want. I enjoy interacting with others, as I did for decades of participation in my career, the Navy and golfing.
I guess I just don’t understand the point of the study/article that seems to indicate that being alone is depressing.