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,

Social Isolation

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.

What is Social Isolation?

What could Social Isolation look like?

?http://safeshare.tv/w/mjqEXclVbC

http://safeshare.tv/w/hjyUwMbQoq

Our aging population…

The “New Silent Generation”, “Millenniums”, or “Generation Z”…

SOCIAL ISOLATION vs.

LONELINESS?

http://safeshare.tv/w/MsQMYuBEFx

The simple explanation…

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

http://www.worldhealth.net/news/social_isolation_impacts_upon_mental_and/

Physical Effects of Social Isolation

AnxietyFearAggressionMemory Impairment

http://psychcentral.com/news/2007/11/15/stress-effects-from-social-isolation-explained/1542.html

Psychological Effects of Social Isolation

How have we evolved with the daily demands of our changing

world?

Socialization then…

And now…

How are our social skills being developed as we

grow and mature?

Our young children TODAY

THIS can lead to …

Our parents and grandparents THEN…

And TODAY…

SOCIAL MEDIA and TECHNOLOGY

Why the shift?

Socialization

This article was published in April, 2010

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1304266/We-spend-7-hours-day-using-technology-computers-TV-lives.html

So what happens to our brain?

How does it work? How does it react to SI?

The Brain

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.

Myelin

Global community is growingTechnology is continually advancing

Advances in healthcareWe are living longer

The Key…Community

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.

Our CHARGE for SI

Thank you.