Social isolation was associated with a 32% increased risk of all-cause mortality and a 24% increased risk of cancer mortality. Loneliness was associated with a 14% increased risk of all-cause mortality and a 9% increased risk of cancer mortality.
A new study published in Neuroscience News highlight the critical importance of social connections to our overall health. The comprehensive meta-analysis conducted on prospective cohort studies, including over 2 million individuals, has uncovered robust associations between social isolation, loneliness, and increased mortality rates.
When looking at specific causes of death, such as cancer, the results are equally startling. Social isolation and loneliness were associated with a 24% and 9% increased risk of cancer mortality, respectively. Furthermore, social isolation was found to augment the risk of mortality from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) by 34%.
A closer look at individuals with pre-existing health conditions
When the researchers focused on individuals who had pre-existing health conditions such as CVD or breast cancer, the results were no less striking. Socially isolated individuals with CVD or breast cancer had a 28% and 51% increased risk of all-cause mortality, respectively. Moreover, socially isolated individuals with breast cancer faced a 33% higher risk of cancer-specific mortality.
The need for comprehensive public health strategies
The solution requires comprehensive, multi-pronged strategies at the societal level. We need to foster communities that encourage social interactions and cultivate supportive relationships.
Health practitioners need to be aware of the health risks associated with social isolation and loneliness and should integrate assessments of social health into routine health check-ups.
Programs that facilitate social connections, such as community activities and support groups, can be particularly beneficial for individuals with pre-existing health conditions. For these individuals, fostering social connections could serve as a crucial aspect of disease management and could potentially improve both their quality of life and their prognosis.
In a world where social isolation and loneliness are increasingly prevalent, these findings serve as a stark reminder of the profound impact of our social experiences on our health.
The evidence is clear: we must confront the health risks associated with social isolation and loneliness head-on. By fostering social connections and prioritizing social health, we can improve the well-being of our communities and potentially mitigate the risk of mortality among socially isolated and lonely individuals.