Social Isolation: People Who Don't See Loved Ones More Likely To Die Earlier, Monthly Visits Help
'People never visited by loved ones more likely to die earlier, study finds,' The Guardian, Nov. 9, 2023. Ed - Those socially isolated are 77% more likely to die of any cause – even monthly visits can make big difference. 💕
Everyone should visit friends and family at least once a month to prevent loneliness and reduce the risk of dying earlier, according to new research. Academics at the University of Glasgow have calculated that not seeing loved ones at least once a month and living alone significantly increases people’s risk of dying. They used data tracking the health and genetics of adults across the UK and looked at 5 different kinds of social connection reported by 458,146 people.
The authors found that each form of social isolation - living alone, often feeling lonely, or infrequent visits from friends or family, was linked to a higher risk of dying.
People who were never visited by friends or family were 53% more likely to die from cardiovascular disease and had a 39% increased risk of death compared with those who were visited daily. Those who lived alone were 48% more likely to die from cardiovascular disease, while not being able to confide in someone or take part in activities also increased mortality risk.
Those experiencing more than one form of social isolation were at an even higher risk.
People who lived alone and never saw friends or family had a 77% higher risk of dying from any cause and an even higher risk of dying from heart disease or stroke, compared with those living with someone who saw friends or family daily. But even visiting just once a month could reduce this risk, suggesting a potentially protective effect from this social interaction.
As to the increased mortality risk, lead author, Dr Hamish Foster, said: “It could be that people who are more socially isolated may have some more unhealthy behaviours like smoking or high alcohol intake.” He also suggested that not having someone to help take them to the doctor, or encouraging them to seek help when needed, as well as direct biological effects on the immune system, could be factors. Experts said the study shows the importance of the matter is so that it is recognised as a major public health issue...
Read More, https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/nov/10/people-never-visited-by-loved-ones-more-likely-to-die-earlier-study-finds
[‘Socially stunted’: how Covid pandemic aggravated young people’s loneliness
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- Also: WHO, World Health Organization declares loneliness a 'global public health concern,' The Guardian, Nov. 16, 2023,
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143158599
