Monday 6 July 2015

Loneliness 'Increases Risk Of Premature Death' - Survey

Loneliness as big a killer as obesity and as dangerous as heavy smoking. Researchers pooled the results of previous studies, estimating that loneliness can increase the risk of premature death by around 30%. 

This follows a new analysis of more than 3.4 million participants, which showed evidence that people who feel, or are, socially isolated or live alone are at about a 30% higher risk of early death.  This prospective study used huge sample size and adjusted for initial health status of participant which lends credibility to the overall observation. 

This provided some evidence that the isolation was causing ill health, rather than the other way round, but we can't be certain. Poor health can lead to loneliness and social isolation and vice versa, so cause and effect are tricky to nail down. 

The results of this study remind us all that psychosocial and emotional feelings can be just as relevant to our overall health and wellbeing as physical factors. Connecting with others can improve both mental and physical wellbeing. 

Connect with people today!

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