Social Isolation is a complete or near-complete lack of contact with society. Social Isolation (SI) can be a cause AND a symptom of physical, emotional, and/or psychological challenges.

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SOCIAL ISOLATION vs. LONELINESS?

Social Isolation  Limited or NO contact with family/friends  No involvement in clubs/activities Loneliness  More subjective  Has to do with a persons’ feelings of companionship or feeling left out

 Higher morning levels of the stress hormone Cortisol  Altered gene in immune cells  Higher blood pressure  Associated with increased risk of depression  Associated with increased sleep disorders  Potential for a faster progression of Alzheimer’s Disease

 Anxiety  Fear  Aggression  Memory Impairment

How are our social skills being developed as we grow and mature?

THIS can lead to …

SOCIAL MEDIA and TECHNOLOGY

This article was published in April,

 How does it work?  How does it react to SI? Research shows, the brain, when isolated, has a significantly different physical appearance as well and the efficiency of its functionality

Myelin is an insulating layer that coats a neuron’s axon, allowing the brain’s impulses to be transmitted quickly and efficiently between the nerve cells.

 Global community is growing  Technology is continually advancing  Advances in healthcare  We are living longer

We must find a way to achieve individual connectedness within our global community, working towards relationships that are both inclusive and proactive for the future.

Thank you.