Is technology firing blanks in the war against loneliness?

Politicians, lobbyists and ordinary citizens were outraged by the incident. The usual finger pointing ensued and amid the demands that "something" be done about the plight of the isolated older individual, a seemingly simple question was voiced: why not use technology to fight loneliness and isolation?

At first blush, it seems like a good plan, but is it that simple? Does connecting older individuals online truly address the problem of social exclusion or is it merely a convenient band-aid solution that's more about assuaging our guilt than it is about solving a potentially deadly issue?

A quiet killer

If you think loneliness is an unfortunate yet benign condition, think again. A study out of the University of Chicago found that because loneliness impacts stress hormones, immune function and cardiovascular function, the cumulative effect of being lonely or not has the same physical impact as being a smoker or a non-smoker.

Social isolation in old age has been associated with increased risk of developing dementia. A study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry found subjects who were identified as lonely had double the chance of developing Alzheimer's disease as their non-lonely counterparts. Loneliness is also related to mental disorders such as anxiety and paranoia.

And when you take into account that loneliness makes it more likely someone will engage in "risky" behaviours including alcohol abuse, drug taking and suicide, it becomes apparent loneliness and isolation is no inconsequential thing.

Is technology the answer?

Would a computer and Internet connection have meant a different outcome for Jean and Derek Randall? Maybe, maybe not.