Maoqing Wang and Yashuang Zhao, researchers from Harbin Medical University in China, published a new paper, in the monthly multidisciplinary scientific journal, Nature Human Behaviour. The paper presents a meta-analysis of 90 studies involving over 2 million adults, exploring the connections between loneliness, social isolation and early mortality. The participants were observed for varying periods, ranging from six months to 25 years. Findings indicate that individuals who reported being socially isolated and experiencing loneliness were more susceptible to premature death from all causes, including cancer. Additionally, social isolation was found to be associated with an elevated risk of mortality from heart disease.
The study defines social isolation as an objective lack of contact with others, potentially resulting from having a limited network or living alone. Conversely, loneliness refers to the subjective distress individuals feel when there is a disparity between the quality of their actual social relationships and their desired level of social connection, as indicated by the meta-analysis.
Compared to those who were not socially isolated, individuals who experienced social isolation had a 32% higher risk of early mortality from any cause. Similarly, participants who reported feelings of loneliness were 14% more likely to die prematurely than those who did not express such emotions.
Julianne Holt-Lunstad, a psychology and neuroscience professor at Brigham Young University in Utah, emphasized the research’s significance, stating that it provides even greater confidence in recognizing social isolation and loneliness as independent risk factors for premature death. Although not involved in this specific study, Holt-Lunstad led the US Surgeon General’s advisory report on social isolation and loneliness.
The Impact of Loneliness and Isolation on Physical Health.
Being socially isolated or lonely can be considered a form of stress, said Turhan Canli, a professor of integrative neuroscience in the department of psychology at New York’s Stony Brook University.
He said that we all go through feelings of loneliness from time to time, but when this feeling lasts for a longer period of time, it may act as a form of chronic stress, which is definitely unhealthy for us. Stress hormones have adverse effects on our bodies.
In their research, the study authors also explored the association between loneliness, social isolation, and mortality among individuals diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, or colorectal cancer. Previous studies have revealed a complex interplay between social support and health, which can create a chicken-and-egg scenario. The study suggests that this relationship could lead to a detrimental cycle where declining health results in the loss of social support over time. However, individuals with health conditions often require heightened social support compared to the general population.
The findings demonstrated that participants who experienced social isolation and had cardiovascular disease faced a higher risk of premature death compared to those without the disease. Similarly, socially isolated individuals with breast cancer had an elevated likelihood of mortality from the disease compared to those who were not socially isolated.
The study also highlighted the potential role of lifestyle behaviors in early death from any cause or cardiovascular disease. Canli pointed out that individuals who feel socially isolated or lonely tend to exhibit unhealthy habits, including smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet, and limited physical activity.
Experts propose several factors that could contribute to social isolation exerting a more significant influence on the risk of premature death than loneliness alone. According to Fan Wang, the study’s lead author and a professor of epidemiology at Harbin Medical University, individuals who experience loneliness without social isolation may endure mental health stress but possess resilience due to their existing social networks, even if these networks do not perfectly align with their ideal preferences.
Furthermore, individuals with a small social network or minimal contact with the outside world are less likely to receive necessary medical care in the absence of someone checking on their well-being, as explained by Canli.
Expanding Social Networks
According to Wang, individuals experiencing social isolation and loneliness should actively seek social support. Canli likened the maintenance of a social network to other health-promoting activities such as regular exercise and a nutritious diet. He suggested prioritizing the cultivation of social connections by not restricting interactions to holiday periods and exploring opportunities to engage in activities that facilitate interactions with new like-minded individuals.
Wang emphasized the importance of implementing public health approaches to tackle loneliness and social isolation, which involve enhancing awareness of these challenges. Furthermore, Wang emphasized the importance of developing interventions in collaboration with family members and community networks. Additionally, the healthcare system should establish protocols to identify social isolation and loneliness in patients, enabling healthcare professionals to provide appropriate assistance.
