Loneliness and social isolation don’t just affect emotions—they take a toll on the brain and body. Neurobiology shows that loneliness reduces neuroplasticity, changes brain areas responsible for emotional regulation, elevates cortisol levels, triggers chronic stress, and weakens the immune system. It can also disrupt sleep, accelerate cognitive decline, increase the risk of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, and cause and worsen a host of physical health conditions.
It’s easy to see how reversing that can have a repel effect on every aspect of health impacted. The excellent news is that that’s social interaction through companionship care can achieve that. It can counteract these effects by reducing stress, boosting mood with oxytocin (the “bonding hormone”), and promoting overall well-being.
Stay tuned as we explore how companionship care improves lives and discuss resources like Michigan’s Home Helpers program to help you find and fund the right care.
