This study remains especially jarring, as the number of adults living by themselves has increased – not fallen – over the past several decades.
How to beat social isolation
For many adults, living by themselves is the most suitable arrangement. Regardless, that doesn’t make these folks automatically doomed to eternal social seclusion or death by cancer.
The following actions are some great ways to increase socialization and spend time with others in healthy environments:
- Reach out to a friend or relative you haven’t spoken to in quite some time
- Join a new fitness class, book club, or other social group
- Sit down with a counselor or therapist
Starting off with a social outing just one or two times per week can go a long way toward beating social isolation. With time and consistent interactions with others, people who live by themselves can likely avoid the health risks mentioned by the American Cancer Society.
