Loneliness: How Isolation Impacts Your Brain & Health

The age-old observation that “it is not good for man to be alone,” as written in the Old Testament, is increasingly supported by scientific evidence. Prolonged feelings of loneliness pose a significant health risk, both psychologically and physically, comparable to the dangers of regular smoking or a lack of exercise. Studies show increased risk for dementia, cardiovascular disease, and mental health disorders, as well as a weakened immune system.

Humans are Wired for Connection

The root of this vulnerability lies in our evolutionary history, according to Dr. Stephan Listabarth, a psychiatrist at the Medical University of Vienna. “Evolutionarily, it became clear early on that humans could not survive as lone individuals.” Finding food and protecting against threats were collaborative efforts, instinctively driving humans to seek the company of others. This need for community and social connection is deeply ingrained in our genes.

“Our brains have, in a sense, optimized themselves for operating within social networks and cooperative group structures,” Listabarth explained. And that brain undergoes changes when a person experiences prolonged loneliness. While medical research is still working to fully understand the extent and specific consequences of these changes, it’s clear the impact isn’t limited to a single area of the brain.

“The prefrontal cortex is important for our social behavior and adherence to social norms, the central striatum houses our reward system, and the temporoparietal temporal lobe is responsible, among other things, for understanding the perspectives of others,” Listabarth noted. However, he cautioned that the effects of loneliness aren’t as simple as brain regions shrinking. Instead, it’s a complex restructuring process.

The Brain on Idle

One example of this restructuring is the brain’s default mode network, or “resting-state network.” “These are the systems and networks that are active when we are not engaged in a specific task, essentially when we’re doing nothing,” the specialist explained. “Our thoughts wander, so our brain remains active even when we aren’t consciously using it.” This process can even be beneficial in short bursts, stimulating imagination. “With prolonged loneliness, the brain attempts to compensate through adjustments to the default mode network, boosting imagination and rumination.”

Listabarth emphasized the distinction between being alone and feeling lonely. He explained that physical absence of others doesn’t automatically equate to loneliness. “Being alone refers to the physical absence of other people, while loneliness is social isolation,” the expert said. “Loneliness is the perceived discrepancy between the desired and perceived level of social connection and interaction.” Someone can be alone and still feel connected to others, and therefore not necessarily feel lonely.

Rising Rates of Loneliness in Austria

Despite this distinction, many people are affected by loneliness – and across all generations. According to the World Health Organization, one in six people experiences it. Within the European Union, approximately 13 percent of those surveyed – around 50 million people – report feeling lonely most or all of the time, according to a dedicated Loneliness Report. A Caritas study found that roughly 600,000 people in Austria – more than half the population – feel lonely for more than half the time, and one in four wish for more social contact. This growing trend underscores the importance of addressing social isolation as a public health concern.

Listabarth suggests that increased use of social media networks may contribute to these numbers. “These platforms offer the opportunity to spend a lot of time online and maintain a semblance of connection with others, but it’s often not enough to feel truly connected,” he explained. However, he doesn’t condemn the internet outright, noting that “it also allows us to live in a time where it’s relatively easy to build social connections and meet people you can also meet in person.” For older adults, increased loneliness is often linked to shrinking social circles with age. “In the past, grandparents and great-grandparents were well integrated into the extended family, often living in the same household.” Today, children and grandchildren often live in different cities.

Finding Community: A Path Forward

In Austria, numerous non-profit organizations, including the Austrian Association of Psychologists (BÖP), have joined forces to create a ten-point action plan to combat loneliness. This includes ending the stigmatization of loneliness, expanding access to free psychological care, and establishing a central coordination point for combating loneliness. They are calling for a national action plan involving the federal government, states, healthcare system, municipalities, and civil society. Expanding low-threshold, barrier-free services and promoting participation through volunteer work or intergenerational projects are also key priorities.

A Platform Against Loneliness

Social City Wien, a non-profit organization, launched a dedicated platform against loneliness in 2021. It provides information and connects people seeking contact and engagement. The platform lists numerous free events, from neighborhood gatherings and walks to dance classes. Ultimately, the good news about loneliness is that something can be done about it.