Save the article
People who see loved ones often and who participate in activities with others live longer, a British study shows.
In the survey study, roughly 450,000 people with an average age of 36 answered questions such as how often they met others and how often they felt lonely, Vetenskapsradion reports.
After a median time of 12.6 years, the result and the different aspects of loneliness and how it was related to the risk of dying were then analyzed.
It was found that the greatest risk of dying was related to social isolation, and that the risk of dying was higher for those who did not participate in group activities or meet loved ones.
This is an indication of how care and elderly care can catch groups that feel lonely, says Lena Dahlgren, professor of social work at the university in Dalarna.
– This study confirms that social relationships are very important, that it is a public health issue and has great significance for health and survival, says Lena Dahlgren to Vetenskapsradion.
The study has been published in BMC Medicine.