The researchers in Glasgow have spoken to around 450,000 Britons who answered questions about how often they meet other people and how often they feel lonely.
A total of 458,146 people, with an average age of 57, participated in the study. Each person was followed for an average of 12.6 years – and the results are clear.
The researchers concluded that any form of social isolation, such as living alone, often feeling lonely, or receiving only rare visits from friends or family, was linked to a significantly greater risk of dying prematurely.
More cardiovascular diseases
Respondents in the study who were never visited by friends or family had a 53 percent higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and had a 39 percent increased risk of dying prematurely overall compared to those who were visited daily.
Those who lived completely alone had a 48 percent higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Those who answered that they had no one to confide in or the opportunity to participate in activities also had an increased risk of mortality, the study shows.
Those who were most at risk of dying prematurely were those who experienced more than one form of social isolation.
77 percent (!) higher risk
People who lived alone and never saw friends or family had a 77 percent higher risk of dying, and an even greater risk of dying from heart disease or stroke, compared to those who lived with someone who saw friends or family daily.
– The risk seems to be among people who are very isolated and never see friends and family or see them less often than once a month, says study co-author Jason Gill, professor of cardiometabolic health at the University of Glasgow, to The Guardian.
“Making sure you visit your lonely and isolated relatives is a very helpful thing to do because it seems important that people visit at least once a month,” she continues.
“Unhealthy behaviors
The study did not investigate why social isolation and loneliness increased the risk of mortality but its lead author, Dr Hamish Foster, has his theories.
– It may be that people who are more socially isolated may have some more unhealthy behaviors such as smoking or high alcohol intake, for example.
Other reasons may also have to do with not having someone to help take them to the doctor or encourage them to seek help when needed, according to Doctor Foster.