Loneliness, a link to other diseases?

Loneliness isn't simply about being alone, it is gaining recognition as a risk for health, a risk for heart disease, dementia, some cancers and even death...

A new analysis showed that the lack of social connections increases from 26% the risk of early death! And not only, it increases the risk of dementia by 50%, stroke by 32% and heart disease by 29%.

This link is so strong that the term Loneliness epidemic is used, and considered as a danger by U.S. health system. “Given the significant health consequences of loneliness and isolation, we must prioritize building social connection the same way we have prioritized other critical public health issues such as tobacco, obesity, and substance use disorders.” said U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy.

If the link between loneliness and illness is still a mystery, the first researches indicates that it can be linked to higher levels of inflammatory chemicals int the body.

What can be the solutions?

One study found that activities that require focus and engagement reduced feelings of loneliness. Researchers found that when people are absorbed in an activity that challenges them and leads to skill development, time passes faster and loneliness eases.

we must think of the question : What is it that brings us joy? as being self-aware is one of the first steps to fight loneliness and its consequences.

Sources : Nature Human Behaviour: "A systematic review and meta-analysis of 90 cohort studies of social isolation, loneliness and mortality."National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM).

Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews: "The association between loneliness, social isolation and inflammation: A systematic review and meta-analysis."