Is loneliness really fatal?

“Loneliness is fatal” is a phrase we often hear but may not understand. However, the study that we are about to present warns that loneliness may actually lead to death.

A recent study revealed that loneliness is not just an emotional state, but it can go beyond that and may constitute a matter of life or death. The study confirmed the profound impact of social isolation on the mortality rate.

The danger of loneliness

According to what was reported by the Wall Street Journal, the study pointed to a relationship between loneliness, social isolation, and an increased risk of death from various causes.

The study emphasized the importance of maintaining strong social ties for general well-being. She explained that individuals who suffer from loneliness, which is determined by factors such as lack of visits from family and friends, living alone, and lack of weekly group activities, face a high risk of death from any cause.

The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Glasgow and published in the journal BMC Medicine, examined data from more than 450,000 participants in the UK Biobank database over more than a decade.

Loneliness and health problems

She stated, “Loneliness is not just about feeling alone. It includes the inability to trust a close companion, rare social interactions, and the absence of weekly group activities. The consequences of loneliness extend beyond emotional distress, as it contributes to a range of health problems, including: That's anxiety, heart disease and dementia."

The study also confirmed that those who are never visited by family and friends have a 37% increased risk of death, compared to those who make daily visits.

The researchers found that monthly visits have a protective effect, reducing the risk of death.

The study also delved into the physiological consequences of loneliness, as chronic loneliness disrupts sleep patterns and is linked to physical inflammation, which is a precursor to various diseases.