Researchers at the University of Cambridge and Fudan University say spending time with loved ones helps you live longer and healthier. They found those interactions lower the risk of serious illnesses such as stroke and type 2 diabetes.
In a new study, the team reports that meeting with friends and family strengthens the immune system, as reported by the Daily Mail. It may sound incredible, but these connections slow the accumulation of five types of proteins that are directly linked to loneliness.
How Did Scientists Discover This?
Previous studies have shown that social isolation and loneliness are associated with worsening well-being and early mortality. However, the molecular mechanisms tying loneliness to health problems have remained unclear.
The authors of the new study shed light on that link. During their research, scientists examined blood samples from 42,000 adult volunteers aged 40 to 69 who provided health data to the UK Biobank.
The team found that social isolation or loneliness was linked to elevated levels of five specific proteins. Those higher concentrations correlated with worse health — cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, and premature death.
The findings reinforce the importance of social contact for our health.
Dr. Chun Shen, a co-author from Fudan University’s Department of Neuroscience, said, “We know social isolation and loneliness are linked to declining health, but we didn’t know why. Our work identified several proteins that play a key role — increased levels of certain proteins appear to be a direct consequence of loneliness.”
Professor Barbara Sahakian of the University of Cambridge’s Department of Psychiatry added, “The results underscore the importance of social contact for maintaining our well-being.” She emphasized this matters as growing numbers of people across all ages report feeling lonely.
The study’s findings were published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has labeled social isolation and loneliness a global public health issue.
