Read the following leaflet and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 1 to 6.

Ways to Improve Air Conditioners

Below are several recommendations for using air conditioners more effectively during severe heatwaves.

1. (1) ______ temperatures at 26-28 °C: Experts advise keeping units at 26-28 °C to balance cooling comfort and operating efficiency. Lower settings, (2) ______ force air conditioners to run continuously at maximum power, increase the risk of overload and mechanical damage.

2. Combine fans with AC: Fans should operate while the air conditioner is on to help distribute cool air more evenly. The combination can reduce pressure (3) ______ the air conditioner and improve cooling efficiency during extreme heat.

3. Avoid running AC all day: Even during prolonged heatwaves, users are advised (4) ______ air conditioners short breaks after every four to six hours of operation. Turning the unit off for about an hour and opening windows to ventilate the room before restarting it can help extend the system's (5) ______ and reduce strain on the equipment.

4. Reduce heat entering the room: Experts recommend installing thick light-blocking curtains and keeping them closed during the day, especially in apartments (6) ______ to direct sunlight.

(Adapted from https://e.vnexpress.net/)

Read the following piece of news and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 7 to 12.

Hanoi's Bún Chả Earns Place Among Asia's Best Pork Dishes

The Global Mobile Association (GSMA) has just awarded Vietnam the 2026 Government Leadership Award, recognizing its strong progress in digital transformation and (7) ______ in the Asia-Pacific region.

(8) ______ GSMA, Vietnam is emerging as one of the fastest-growing and most disciplined digital economies in the region. In 2024, the digital economy contributed approximately 18.3% of GDP and is (9) ______ the target of 20.5% in 2025. By 2030, this proportion is expected to reach around 30% of GDP.

Julian Gorman, Director of the Asia-Pacific region at GSMA, said that a large (10) ______ of countries are "envious" of Vietnam's GDP growth rate, which is approaching double digits. In just 7-8 years, Vietnam has transformed from a country almost (11) ______ in the fields of 5G or AI into a destination closely watched by the global technology community.

GSMA leaders (12) ______ that Vietnam is entering the "graduation" phase from a developing economy to a leading digital economy in the region. Currently, Vietnam is ranked in the MI360 group - a group of countries with the fastest and most dynamic digital economic development in ASEAN.

(Adapted from https://www.vietnam.vn/)

Read the following piece of news and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 7 to 12.

Hanoi's Bún Chả Earns Place Among Asia's Best Pork Dishes

The Global Mobile Association (GSMA) has just awarded Vietnam the 2026 Government Leadership Award, recognizing its strong progress in digital transformation and (7) ______ in the Asia-Pacific region.

(8) ______ GSMA, Vietnam is emerging as one of the fastest-growing and most disciplined digital economies in the region. In 2024, the digital economy contributed approximately 18.3% of GDP and is (9) ______ the target of 20.5% in 2025. By 2030, this proportion is expected to reach around 30% of GDP.

Julian Gorman, Director of the Asia-Pacific region at GSMA, said that a large (10) ______ of countries are "envious" of Vietnam's GDP growth rate, which is approaching double digits. In just 7-8 years, Vietnam has transformed from a country almost (11) ______ in the fields of 5G or AI into a destination closely watched by the global technology community.

GSMA leaders (12) ______ that Vietnam is entering the "graduation" phase from a developing economy to a leading digital economy in the region. Currently, Vietnam is ranked in the MI360 group - a group of countries with the fastest and most dynamic digital economic development in ASEAN.

(Adapted from https://www.vietnam.vn/)

Read the following piece of news and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 7 to 12.

Hanoi's Bún Chả Earns Place Among Asia's Best Pork Dishes

The Global Mobile Association (GSMA) has just awarded Vietnam the 2026 Government Leadership Award, recognizing its strong progress in digital transformation and (7) ______ in the Asia-Pacific region.

(8) ______ GSMA, Vietnam is emerging as one of the fastest-growing and most disciplined digital economies in the region. In 2024, the digital economy contributed approximately 18.3% of GDP and is (9) ______ the target of 20.5% in 2025. By 2030, this proportion is expected to reach around 30% of GDP.

Julian Gorman, Director of the Asia-Pacific region at GSMA, said that a large (10) ______ of countries are "envious" of Vietnam's GDP growth rate, which is approaching double digits. In just 7-8 years, Vietnam has transformed from a country almost (11) ______ in the fields of 5G or AI into a destination closely watched by the global technology community.

GSMA leaders (12) ______ that Vietnam is entering the "graduation" phase from a developing economy to a leading digital economy in the region. Currently, Vietnam is ranked in the MI360 group - a group of countries with the fastest and most dynamic digital economic development in ASEAN.

(Adapted from https://www.vietnam.vn/)

Read the following piece of news and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 7 to 12.

Hanoi's Bún Chả Earns Place Among Asia's Best Pork Dishes

The Global Mobile Association (GSMA) has just awarded Vietnam the 2026 Government Leadership Award, recognizing its strong progress in digital transformation and (7) ______ in the Asia-Pacific region.

(8) ______ GSMA, Vietnam is emerging as one of the fastest-growing and most disciplined digital economies in the region. In 2024, the digital economy contributed approximately 18.3% of GDP and is (9) ______ the target of 20.5% in 2025. By 2030, this proportion is expected to reach around 30% of GDP.

Julian Gorman, Director of the Asia-Pacific region at GSMA, said that a large (10) ______ of countries are "envious" of Vietnam's GDP growth rate, which is approaching double digits. In just 7-8 years, Vietnam has transformed from a country almost (11) ______ in the fields of 5G or AI into a destination closely watched by the global technology community.

GSMA leaders (12) ______ that Vietnam is entering the "graduation" phase from a developing economy to a leading digital economy in the region. Currently, Vietnam is ranked in the MI360 group - a group of countries with the fastest and most dynamic digital economic development in ASEAN.

(Adapted from https://www.vietnam.vn/)

Read the following piece of news and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 7 to 12.

Hanoi's Bún Chả Earns Place Among Asia's Best Pork Dishes

The Global Mobile Association (GSMA) has just awarded Vietnam the 2026 Government Leadership Award, recognizing its strong progress in digital transformation and (7) ______ in the Asia-Pacific region.

(8) ______ GSMA, Vietnam is emerging as one of the fastest-growing and most disciplined digital economies in the region. In 2024, the digital economy contributed approximately 18.3% of GDP and is (9) ______ the target of 20.5% in 2025. By 2030, this proportion is expected to reach around 30% of GDP.

Julian Gorman, Director of the Asia-Pacific region at GSMA, said that a large (10) ______ of countries are "envious" of Vietnam's GDP growth rate, which is approaching double digits. In just 7-8 years, Vietnam has transformed from a country almost (11) ______ in the fields of 5G or AI into a destination closely watched by the global technology community.

GSMA leaders (12) ______ that Vietnam is entering the "graduation" phase from a developing economy to a leading digital economy in the region. Currently, Vietnam is ranked in the MI360 group - a group of countries with the fastest and most dynamic digital economic development in ASEAN.

(Adapted from https://www.vietnam.vn/)

Read the following piece of news and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 7 to 12.

Hanoi's Bún Chả Earns Place Among Asia's Best Pork Dishes

The Global Mobile Association (GSMA) has just awarded Vietnam the 2026 Government Leadership Award, recognizing its strong progress in digital transformation and (7) ______ in the Asia-Pacific region.

(8) ______ GSMA, Vietnam is emerging as one of the fastest-growing and most disciplined digital economies in the region. In 2024, the digital economy contributed approximately 18.3% of GDP and is (9) ______ the target of 20.5% in 2025. By 2030, this proportion is expected to reach around 30% of GDP.

Julian Gorman, Director of the Asia-Pacific region at GSMA, said that a large (10) ______ of countries are "envious" of Vietnam's GDP growth rate, which is approaching double digits. In just 7-8 years, Vietnam has transformed from a country almost (11) ______ in the fields of 5G or AI into a destination closely watched by the global technology community.

GSMA leaders (12) ______ that Vietnam is entering the "graduation" phase from a developing economy to a leading digital economy in the region. Currently, Vietnam is ranked in the MI360 group - a group of countries with the fastest and most dynamic digital economic development in ASEAN.

(Adapted from https://www.vietnam.vn/)

A tornado requires patterns of both cold and warm air in the same region in order to form. The most likely time for this to occur is during warm or hot weather when a thunderstorm is approaching. The tornado is created when warm, moist air rises from the ground and comes into contact with a mass of colder air at the bottom of a thundercloud. The rising air pushes against the colder air, and the rotation of the earth causes the air to spin, (18) _______.

As mentioned, tornadoes generally, but not always, develop in conjunction with a thunderstorm. Thunderstorms that result in tornadoes are referred to as supercells. (19) ______, especially when other conditions, such as a cold front or low-level converging winds, are also present. (20) ______, these clouds get caught up in the tornado’s swirling wind, which creates the menacing funnel that most people associate with danger and destruction of property.
(21) ______. The first stage occurs just before the onset of a thunderstorm, when the wind changes direction and increases its speed. As the wind moves faster and higher in altitude, it begins an invisible horizontal spin. Once the thunderstorm starts, rising air inside the storm causes the spinning wind to become vertical, or to shift from side to side to an up-and-down position. The thunderstorm then surrounds this area of rotating air, which can vary in length. Clouds that have formed in the lower part of the thunderstorm (22) ______. Shortly after the completion of the previous step, the tornado develops.
(Adapted from Longman Preparation Course for the TOEFL iBT® Test)

A tornado requires patterns of both cold and warm air in the same region in order to form. The most likely time for this to occur is during warm or hot weather when a thunderstorm is approaching. The tornado is created when warm, moist air rises from the ground and comes into contact with a mass of colder air at the bottom of a thundercloud. The rising air pushes against the colder air, and the rotation of the earth causes the air to spin, (18) _______.

As mentioned, tornadoes generally, but not always, develop in conjunction with a thunderstorm. Thunderstorms that result in tornadoes are referred to as supercells. (19) ______, especially when other conditions, such as a cold front or low-level converging winds, are also present. (20) ______, these clouds get caught up in the tornado’s swirling wind, which creates the menacing funnel that most people associate with danger and destruction of property.
(21) ______. The first stage occurs just before the onset of a thunderstorm, when the wind changes direction and increases its speed. As the wind moves faster and higher in altitude, it begins an invisible horizontal spin. Once the thunderstorm starts, rising air inside the storm causes the spinning wind to become vertical, or to shift from side to side to an up-and-down position. The thunderstorm then surrounds this area of rotating air, which can vary in length. Clouds that have formed in the lower part of the thunderstorm (22) ______. Shortly after the completion of the previous step, the tornado develops.
(Adapted from Longman Preparation Course for the TOEFL iBT® Test)

A tornado requires patterns of both cold and warm air in the same region in order to form. The most likely time for this to occur is during warm or hot weather when a thunderstorm is approaching. The tornado is created when warm, moist air rises from the ground and comes into contact with a mass of colder air at the bottom of a thundercloud. The rising air pushes against the colder air, and the rotation of the earth causes the air to spin, (18) _______.

As mentioned, tornadoes generally, but not always, develop in conjunction with a thunderstorm. Thunderstorms that result in tornadoes are referred to as supercells. (19) ______, especially when other conditions, such as a cold front or low-level converging winds, are also present. (20) ______, these clouds get caught up in the tornado’s swirling wind, which creates the menacing funnel that most people associate with danger and destruction of property.
(21) ______. The first stage occurs just before the onset of a thunderstorm, when the wind changes direction and increases its speed. As the wind moves faster and higher in altitude, it begins an invisible horizontal spin. Once the thunderstorm starts, rising air inside the storm causes the spinning wind to become vertical, or to shift from side to side to an up-and-down position. The thunderstorm then surrounds this area of rotating air, which can vary in length. Clouds that have formed in the lower part of the thunderstorm (22) ______. Shortly after the completion of the previous step, the tornado develops.
(Adapted from Longman Preparation Course for the TOEFL iBT® Test)

A tornado requires patterns of both cold and warm air in the same region in order to form. The most likely time for this to occur is during warm or hot weather when a thunderstorm is approaching. The tornado is created when warm, moist air rises from the ground and comes into contact with a mass of colder air at the bottom of a thundercloud. The rising air pushes against the colder air, and the rotation of the earth causes the air to spin, (18) ______.

As mentioned, tornadoes generally, but not always, develop in conjunction with a thunderstorm. Thunderstorms that result in tornadoes are referred to as supercells. (19) ______, especially when other conditions, such as a cold front or low-level converging winds, are also present. (20) ______, these clouds get caught up in the tornado's swirling wind, which creates the menacing funnel that most people associate with danger and destruction of property.

(21) ______. The first stage occurs just before the onset of a thunderstorm, when the wind changes direction and increases its speed. As the wind moves faster and higher in altitude, it begins an invisible horizontal spin. Once the thunderstorm starts, rising air inside the storm causes the spinning wind to become vertical, or to shift from side to side to an up-and-down position. The thunderstorm then surrounds this area of rotating air, which can vary in length. Clouds that have formed in the lower part of the thunderstorm (22) ______. Shortly after the completion of the previous step, the tornado develops.

(Adapted from Longman Preparation Course for the TOEFL iBT® Test)

A tornado requires patterns of both cold and warm air in the same region in order to form. The most likely time for this to occur is during warm or hot weather when a thunderstorm is approaching. The tornado is created when warm, moist air rises from the ground and comes into contact with a mass of colder air at the bottom of a thundercloud. The rising air pushes against the colder air, and the rotation of the earth causes the air to spin, (18) ______. As mentioned, tornadoes generally, but not always, develop in conjunction with a thunderstorm. Thunderstorms that result in tornadoes are referred to as supercells. (19) ______, especially when other conditions, such as a cold front or low-level converging winds, are also present. (20) ______, these clouds get caught up in the tornado's swirling wind, which creates the menacing funnel that most people associate with danger and destruction of property. (21) ______. The first stage occurs just before the onset of a thunderstorm, when the wind changes direction and increases its speed. As the wind moves faster and higher in altitude, it begins an invisible horizontal spin. Once the thunderstorm starts, rising air inside the storm causes the spinning wind to become vertical, or to shift from side to side to an up-and-down position. The thunderstorm then surrounds this area of rotating air, which can vary in length. Clouds that have formed in the lower part of the thunderstorm (22) ______. Shortly after the completion of the previous step, the tornado develops. (Adapted from Longman Preparation Course for the TOEFL iBT® Test)

In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General declared loneliness an epidemic, stating that its consequences extend far beyond “just a bad feeling”. While loneliness is typically recognized as an unpleasant emotional response to perceived isolation, it can also have impacts on cognitive, physical, and mental health.
The terms “loneliness” and “social isolation” are often used interchangeably, but they differ in some fundamental ways. Loneliness refers to the subjective feeling of being alone or lacking meaningful social connections. Social isolation, however, describes the objective lack of social contact.
Loneliness is also not the same as solitude. Some people may enjoy time alone, whether it’s for brief or extended periods of time, and therefore don’t suffer the same negative health outcomes as those who feel lonely. Perceived loneliness—the degree to which someone feels that their social needs are not being met—is influenced by various social determinants of health, including socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and environmental factors.
The U.S. and Canada have experienced a substantial rise in loneliness in recent years. In the U.S., rates of loneliness are notably high among young adults, people with lower incomes, and racial and ethnic minorities. These findings are consistent in Canada, with approximately two-thirds of 18 to 54-year-olds reporting that they feel a lack of belonging and 76% of unemployed people feeling cut off from their communities.
The effects of social isolation can be significant. Research links chronic loneliness to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline, including dementia. Loneliness can also trigger inflammatory responses in the body, impacting brain function and potentially accelerating age-related cognitive decline.
Healthcare providers play a vital role in addressing this public health crisis. By acknowledging the profound impact of social isolation—and conversely, social connection—on patient outcomes, they can advocate for lifestyle changes that promote social connectedness and reduce feelings of loneliness.
(Adapted from https://creyos.com/)

In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General declared loneliness an epidemic, stating that its consequences extend far beyond “just a bad feeling”. While loneliness is typically recognized as an unpleasant emotional response to perceived isolation, it can also have impacts on cognitive, physical, and mental health.
The terms “loneliness” and “social isolation” are often used interchangeably, but they differ in some fundamental ways. Loneliness refers to the subjective feeling of being alone or lacking meaningful social connections. Social isolation, however, describes the objective lack of social contact.
Loneliness is also not the same as solitude. Some people may enjoy time alone, whether it’s for brief or extended periods of time, and therefore don’t suffer the same negative health outcomes as those who feel lonely. Perceived loneliness—the degree to which someone feels that their social needs are not being met—is influenced by various social determinants of health, including socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and environmental factors.
The U.S. and Canada have experienced a substantial rise in loneliness in recent years. In the U.S., rates of loneliness are notably high among young adults, people with lower incomes, and racial and ethnic minorities. These findings are consistent in Canada, with approximately two-thirds of 18 to 54-year-olds reporting that they feel a lack of belonging and 76% of unemployed people feeling cut off from their communities.
The effects of social isolation can be significant. Research links chronic loneliness to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline, including dementia. Loneliness can also trigger inflammatory responses in the body, impacting brain function and potentially accelerating age-related cognitive decline.
Healthcare providers play a vital role in addressing this public health crisis. By acknowledging the profound impact of social isolation—and conversely, social connection—on patient outcomes, they can advocate for lifestyle changes that promote social connectedness and reduce feelings of loneliness.
(Adapted from https://creyos.com/)

In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General declared loneliness an epidemic, stating that its consequences extend far beyond “just a bad feeling”. While loneliness is typically recognized as an unpleasant emotional response to perceived isolation, it can also have impacts on cognitive, physical, and mental health.
The terms “loneliness” and “social isolation” are often used interchangeably, but they differ in some fundamental ways. Loneliness refers to the subjective feeling of being alone or lacking meaningful social connections. Social isolation, however, describes the objective lack of social contact.
Loneliness is also not the same as solitude. Some people may enjoy time alone, whether it’s for brief or extended periods of time, and therefore don’t suffer the same negative health outcomes as those who feel lonely. Perceived loneliness—the degree to which someone feels that their social needs are not being met—is influenced by various social determinants of health, including socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and environmental factors.
The U.S. and Canada have experienced a substantial rise in loneliness in recent years. In the U.S., rates of loneliness are notably high among young adults, people with lower incomes, and racial and ethnic minorities. These findings are consistent in Canada, with approximately two-thirds of 18 to 54-year-olds reporting that they feel a lack of belonging and 76% of unemployed people feeling cut off from their communities.
The effects of social isolation can be significant. Research links chronic loneliness to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline, including dementia. Loneliness can also trigger inflammatory responses in the body, impacting brain function and potentially accelerating age-related cognitive decline.
Healthcare providers play a vital role in addressing this public health crisis. By acknowledging the profound impact of social isolation—and conversely, social connection—on patient outcomes, they can advocate for lifestyle changes that promote social connectedness and reduce feelings of loneliness.
(Adapted from https://creyos.com/)

In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General declared loneliness an epidemic, stating that its consequences extend far beyond “just a bad feeling”. While loneliness is typically recognized as an unpleasant emotional response to perceived isolation, it can also have impacts on cognitive, physical, and mental health.
The terms “loneliness” and “social isolation” are often used interchangeably, but they differ in some fundamental ways. Loneliness refers to the subjective feeling of being alone or lacking meaningful social connections. Social isolation, however, describes the objective lack of social contact.
Loneliness is also not the same as solitude. Some people may enjoy time alone, whether it’s for brief or extended periods of time, and therefore don’t suffer the same negative health outcomes as those who feel lonely. Perceived loneliness—the degree to which someone feels that their social needs are not being met—is influenced by various social determinants of health, including socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and environmental factors.
The U.S. and Canada have experienced a substantial rise in loneliness in recent years. In the U.S., rates of loneliness are notably high among young adults, people with lower incomes, and racial and ethnic minorities. These findings are consistent in Canada, with approximately two-thirds of 18 to 54-year-olds reporting that they feel a lack of belonging and 76% of unemployed people feeling cut off from their communities.
The effects of social isolation can be significant. Research links chronic loneliness to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline, including dementia. Loneliness can also trigger inflammatory responses in the body, impacting brain function and potentially accelerating age-related cognitive decline.
Healthcare providers play a vital role in addressing this public health crisis. By acknowledging the profound impact of social isolation—and conversely, social connection—on patient outcomes, they can advocate for lifestyle changes that promote social connectedness and reduce feelings of loneliness.
(Adapted from https://creyos.com/)

In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General declared loneliness an epidemic, stating that its consequences extend far beyond “just a bad feeling”. While loneliness is typically recognized as an unpleasant emotional response to perceived isolation, it can also have impacts on cognitive, physical, and mental health.
The terms “loneliness” and “social isolation” are often used interchangeably, but they differ in some fundamental ways. Loneliness refers to the subjective feeling of being alone or lacking meaningful social connections. Social isolation, however, describes the objective lack of social contact.
Loneliness is also not the same as solitude. Some people may enjoy time alone, whether it’s for brief or extended periods of time, and therefore don’t suffer the same negative health outcomes as those who feel lonely. Perceived loneliness—the degree to which someone feels that their social needs are not being met—is influenced by various social determinants of health, including socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and environmental factors.
The U.S. and Canada have experienced a substantial rise in loneliness in recent years. In the U.S., rates of loneliness are notably high among young adults, people with lower incomes, and racial and ethnic minorities. These findings are consistent in Canada, with approximately two-thirds of 18 to 54-year-olds reporting that they feel a lack of belonging and 76% of unemployed people feeling cut off from their communities.
The effects of social isolation can be significant. Research links chronic loneliness to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline, including dementia. Loneliness can also trigger inflammatory responses in the body, impacting brain function and potentially accelerating age-related cognitive decline.
Healthcare providers play a vital role in addressing this public health crisis. By acknowledging the profound impact of social isolation—and conversely, social connection—on patient outcomes, they can advocate for lifestyle changes that promote social connectedness and reduce feelings of loneliness.
(Adapted from https://creyos.com/)

In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General declared loneliness an epidemic, stating that its consequences extend far beyond “just a bad feeling”. While loneliness is typically recognized as an unpleasant emotional response to perceived isolation, it can also have impacts on cognitive, physical, and mental health.
The terms “loneliness” and “social isolation” are often used interchangeably, but they differ in some fundamental ways. Loneliness refers to the subjective feeling of being alone or lacking meaningful social connections. Social isolation, however, describes the objective lack of social contact.
Loneliness is also not the same as solitude. Some people may enjoy time alone, whether it’s for brief or extended periods of time, and therefore don’t suffer the same negative health outcomes as those who feel lonely. Perceived loneliness—the degree to which someone feels that their social needs are not being met—is influenced by various social determinants of health, including socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and environmental factors.
The U.S. and Canada have experienced a substantial rise in loneliness in recent years. In the U.S., rates of loneliness are notably high among young adults, people with lower incomes, and racial and ethnic minorities. These findings are consistent in Canada, with approximately two-thirds of 18 to 54-year-olds reporting that they feel a lack of belonging and 76% of unemployed people feeling cut off from their communities.
The effects of social isolation can be significant. Research links chronic loneliness to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline, including dementia. Loneliness can also trigger inflammatory responses in the body, impacting brain function and potentially accelerating age-related cognitive decline.
Healthcare providers play a vital role in addressing this public health crisis. By acknowledging the profound impact of social isolation—and conversely, social connection—on patient outcomes, they can advocate for lifestyle changes that promote social connectedness and reduce feelings of loneliness.
(Adapted from https://creyos.com/)

In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General declared loneliness an epidemic, stating that its consequences extend far beyond “just a bad feeling”. While loneliness is typically recognized as an unpleasant emotional response to perceived isolation, it can also have impacts on cognitive, physical, and mental health.
The terms “loneliness” and “social isolation” are often used interchangeably, but they differ in some fundamental ways. Loneliness refers to the subjective feeling of being alone or lacking meaningful social connections. Social isolation, however, describes the objective lack of social contact.
Loneliness is also not the same as solitude. Some people may enjoy time alone, whether it’s for brief or extended periods of time, and therefore don’t suffer the same negative health outcomes as those who feel lonely. Perceived loneliness—the degree to which someone feels that their social needs are not being met—is influenced by various social determinants of health, including socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and environmental factors.
The U.S. and Canada have experienced a substantial rise in loneliness in recent years. In the U.S., rates of loneliness are notably high among young adults, people with lower incomes, and racial and ethnic minorities. These findings are consistent in Canada, with approximately two-thirds of 18 to 54-year-olds reporting that they feel a lack of belonging and 76% of unemployed people feeling cut off from their communities.
The effects of social isolation can be significant. Research links chronic loneliness to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline, including dementia. Loneliness can also trigger inflammatory responses in the body, impacting brain function and potentially accelerating age-related cognitive decline.
Healthcare providers play a vital role in addressing this public health crisis. By acknowledging the profound impact of social isolation—and conversely, social connection—on patient outcomes, they can advocate for lifestyle changes that promote social connectedness and reduce feelings of loneliness.
(Adapted from https://creyos.com/)