Young people, most of the times tend to turn their back on their elderly parents or leave them isolated owing to many reasons ranging from lack of time to lack of proper sense of responsibility.

But, a recent study found that the loneliness posses the power to substantially affect the health of older adults and can be linked to their declining health. Contrary to what people usually believe, the researchers explained loneliness as an emotional state of perceived isolation.

As part of the latest study, which was published in the journal of the Canadian Medical Association Journal, researchers jotted down a list of things to know about loneliness.

Loneliness is found to be as harmful as any other risk factors for death, such as smoking and obesity. This factor can be used as a notable predictor when it comes to the issue of health care in older adults.

"Our health care system and society are increasingly recognizing loneliness as a serious public health problem, but clinicians are often unprepared to properly access and manage lonely patients," said Nathan Stall, lead researcher of the study.

If seriously taken into consideration, a proper comprehension of this emotion can lead health care professionals into connecting isolated or lonely adults with the support of the community and social networks.

-Sangam Sowmya