"Loneliness is deadly" is a phrase we often hear, but may not fully understand. However, the study we are about to present warns that loneliness may indeed lead to death. A recent study revealed that the feeling of loneliness is not merely an emotional state—it can extend further and may even represent a matter of life or death. The study confirmed the profound impact of social isolation on mortality rates.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the study highlighted a connection between loneliness, social isolation, and an increased risk of death from various causes. It emphasized the importance of maintaining strong social ties for overall well-being. The study showed that individuals who experience loneliness—characterized by factors such as infrequent visits from family and friends, living alone, and lacking weekly group activities—face an elevated risk of death from any cause.
Conducted by researchers at the University of Glasgow and published in the journal BMC Medicine, the study analyzed data from over 450,000 participants in the UK Biobank over more than a decade. It noted that "loneliness is not just about feeling isolated; it includes an inability to trust a close partner, rare social interactions, and the absence of weekly group activities." The consequences of loneliness extend beyond emotional distress, contributing to a range of health problems, including anxiety, heart disease, and dementia.
The study also found that those who were never visited by family and friends face a 37% higher risk of death compared to those who receive daily visits. Moreover, researchers found that monthly visits have a protective effect, reducing the risk of death. The study delved into the physiological consequences of loneliness, noting that chronic loneliness disrupts sleep patterns and is associated with physical inflammation, which is a precursor to various diseases.
