Feelings of loneliness can be deadly

THE GROWING phenomenon of loneliness, which international experts have described as a global epidemic, may be responsible for as many deaths as obesity.

This is according to the results of two meta-analyses presented at the recent annual convention of the American Psychological Association in Washington.

To examine the impact of social isolation and solitude on the risk of premature mortality, researchers conducted an initial meta-analysis of 148 studies that involved 300,000 participants.

The results confirmed the longevity benefits of a rich social life: a greater social connection is associated with a 50% reduction in the risk of premature mortality.

A second meta-analysis brought together data from 70 studies involving some 3.4 million individuals, mainly in North America, but also in Europe, Asia and Australia.

The results highlighted the same conclusions, and drew attention to a major cause for concern: that social isolation and solitude constitute risk factors that are at least as significant as others that have been previously identified, like obesity.

“With an increasing ageing population, the effect on public health [of social isolation] is only anticipated to increase,” explains the lead author of the analysis, Dr Julianne HoltLunstad, professor of Psychology at Brigham Young University in the US state of Utah.

Previous studies have shown that social isolation is not good for the heart, or arteries.

In 2016, researchers at the universities in York, Liverpool and Newcastle showed that loneliness and isolation were associated with a 29% increased in risk of a heart attack and angina, and a 32% greater risk of stroke.

Researchers have demonstrated that loneliness has an impact on lifestyles, including on high blood pressure, high cholesterol counts, and diabetes.

People who live alone tend to exercise less, smoke more, and eat a less-balanced diet.

Social involvement in activities, like in the pursuit of hobbies or spending time with family and friends, is one of the keys to good health and psychological wellbeing.

The researchers recommended that people should prepare for retirement socially as well as financially, as for many people, the workplace is their biggest source of companionship. – AFPRelaxnews