Gaby
Loneliness can be deadly, a new study from the University of Glasgow finds. The study suggests that talking to friends and family more often may lower that risk.
Researchers say that even meeting loved ones once a month can significantly reduce the risk of premature death.
What the Researchers Discovered
Previous studies have linked loneliness to a higher risk of death. This study looked at how different types of social interaction might reduce that risk.
The university team analyzed five types of social interaction reported by more than 450,000 participants whose average age was 57. Researchers tracked those participants for 12 years.
Participants reported how often friends or family visited, whether they took part in weekly group activities, and whether they lived alone. Researchers also asked whether participants felt they could confide in someone close to them and how often they experienced loneliness.
Connecting with Loved Ones
During the study period, 33,135 participants died. An analysis published in BMC Medicine found that people who were visited by friends and family less than once a month were more likely to die over the next 12 years.
For people who never had visitors, the risk of death was 39 percent higher than for people who were visited daily.
People who saw loved ones at least once a month had a much lower risk of death. The protective effect was similar whether visits occurred daily, several times a week, weekly, or monthly.
Key Takeaways
The Daily Mail reported that people who rarely see or speak to loved ones are more likely to die prematurely.
The study found that the increased risk of premature death wasn’t limited to people who live alone; it could also affect people who live with others.
Jason Gill, a co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of visiting lonely, isolated relatives at least once a month.
Researchers also found that individuals participating in weekly group activities, such as singing classes or church outings, were less likely to die during the study period.
Part of the reason may be that socially isolated people are more likely to have unhealthy lifestyles — for example, smoking or frequent alcohol use.
Friends and family can also provide practical support, such as help accessing medical services.
The researchers said the findings could help identify people at higher risk of death because of social isolation.
