Posted on 11/17/2022 7:39:36 AM PST by ConservativeMind
For older adults undergoing nonelective surgery, loneliness is associated with increased odds of death at 30 days, according to a research letter.
Mary R. Shen, M.D. and colleagues examined whether loneliness is associated with postoperative mortality among a cohort of 4,453 older adults (mean age, 75.0 years) using data from the Health and Retirement Study linked to Medicare claims. Overall, 14.0 percent of the patients underwent nonelective surgery.
The mean loneliness score in the cohort was 1.5. The researchers found that the unadjusted 30-day mortality rate was 1.8 percent (0.9 and 7.4 percent in the elective and nonelective groups, respectively). Among patients undergoing elective surgery, loneliness was not associated with higher odds of death at 30 days (odds ratio, 0.46; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.20 to 1.01; P = 0.053). However, loneliness was associated with higher odds of death at 30 days among patients undergoing nonelective surgery (odds ratio, 1.76; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.03 to 3.02; P = 0.04).
"The prevalence of loneliness among older individuals and its association with mortality after undergoing nonelective surgery highlights the need for enhanced postoperative support for these patients," the authors write.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
I work in a nursing home and the the rehab patients, just after surgery or whatever brought them in, have many visitors and leave after a bit. Many of the long term resident’s families visit once in awhile. It’s quite sad since most families live near the facility. Covid also was devastating to many since absolutely no visitors were allowed and they basically just stayed in their rooms.
It would be wonderful if people took your sincere message seriously.. they don’t. I’m supposed to have surgery, but I am in a strange new place, don’t know anyone and I know the isolation will kill me.
Along with destroying the family and manhood, old people are just a nuisance to be avoided. Especially if they need help. When my community burned and I was homeless, only the kindness of strangers helped me survive. As for good “conservatives” ... They were the cruelest. As far as they were concerned, I should have just smiled and shut up.
I was the one who always took care of all the old people. No one ever spent a holiday alone. People don’t bother anymore, even with their own parents.
Could it be impacting how the doctors perform, if they know the patient doesn’t have family or friends?
Never confuse loneliness with solitude some seek it less stupid speed bumps to deal with and someone knocking on your door because they want to talk.
Door mat says go away I’m busy
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How do experts NOT know such basics of humanity and need a “study.”
To be fair, elective surgeries were not a problem, as the non-elective ones were.
But, yes, solitary people need support they don’t often get.
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