Older adults who are socially isolated are more likely to have missing teeth—and to lose their teeth more quickly over time—than those with more social interaction, according to a new study of Chinese older adults.
«Our study suggests that maintaining and improving social connections may benefit the oral health of older adults,» said Xiang Qi, a PhD student at NYU Meyers and the study’s first author. «The findings align with previous studies demonstrating that structural indicators of social disconnection can have powerful effects on indicators of health and well-being.»
Social isolation and loneliness in older adults are major public health concerns around the world and are risk factors for heart disease, mental health disorders, cognitive decline, and premature death. In some countries, including the United States and China, up to one in three older adults are lonely, according to the World Health Organization. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues among older adults, as many in-person interactions have been interrupted to protect older adults from infection.
Social isolation and loneliness are related but different. Social isolation is an objective measure defined as having few social relationships or infrequent social contact with others, while loneliness is the feeling created by a lack of social connection.
«While social isolation and loneliness often go hand in hand, it’s possible to live alone and be socially isolated but to not feel lonely, or to be surrounded by people but still feel lonely,» said Bei Wu, Dean’s Professor in Global Health at NYU Meyers and the study’s senior author.
Older adults are also at risk for another health concern: losing teeth. In China, older adults aged 65 to 74 have fewer than 23 teeth on average (adults typically have 32 teeth, or 28 if wisdom teeth have been removed) and 4.5% of this age group has lost all of their teeth. Gum disease, smoking, lack of access to dental care, and chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease increase the risks of tooth loss. Missing teeth can have a significant impact on one’s quality of life, affecting nutrition, speech, and self-esteem.
Story Source:
Materials provided by New York University. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.