Certain types of social disconnection associated with increased risk of premature death, reveals study

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During the holiday season, if you haven't already, consider making spending time with loved ones a regular occurrence. According to a recent study, individuals who fail to socialize with friends or family may experience a 39% higher risk of premature death.

A new study published Thursday in the journal BMC Medicine found that loneliness and social isolation are linked to a higher risk of premature death and other health outcomes. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, examined two types of loneliness and three types of social isolation. The researchers discovered that each of these factors was associated with an increased risk of mortality.

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According to the authors' definition, the assessment of loneliness entailed evaluating two key aspects: the frequency with which participants were able to confide in someone they trusted, and the regularity with which they experienced feelings of loneliness. The measurement of social isolation among participants involved assessing various factors, such as the frequency of visits from friends or family, the level of engagement in group activities on a weekly basis, and the presence or absence of living alone.

Experiencing a deficiency in any of the five types of social connection, to any extent, was linked to an increased risk of premature death from any cause, according to the authors.

This study included a large cohort of over 458,000 participants who were part of the UK Biobank study, which has been tracking the health outcomes of more than 500,000 middle-aged individuals in the United Kingdom, aged between 40 and 69, for a minimum of 10 years. During the recruitment period of 2006 to 2010, the participants, who had an average age of 56, completed a survey regarding their social life.

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After approximately 12 years, the researchers conducted a follow-up with the participants of the study. They discovered that individuals who lived alone and didn't receive regular visits from family and friends experienced a 39% higher risk of premature death compared to those who had daily visits. Interestingly, engaging in activities with non-loved ones did not alleviate this risk, implying that connections with friends and family may hold more significance than superficial interactions. However, maintaining contact with loved ones on a monthly basis decreased the risk. The authors propose that these close relationships may offer practical assistance and have a greater likelihood of identifying subtle declines in an individual's health and well-being.

Experts not affiliated with the study commended its comprehensive contribution to the increasing body of research on the correlation between social connections and health. Dr. Anthony Ong, a psychology professor at Cornell University in New York, lauded the study's extensive observations on the intricate relationships between various aspects of social connection and mortality outcomes. He also noted that these findings establish an empirical groundwork for further investigations into the potential health advantages of strengthening specific types of social connections among highly isolated groups.

The authors acknowledged that further research is required to determine the causes behind the findings of the study and to ascertain if other mental or physical health factors could have influenced the participants. However, they have proposed some hypotheses.

According to the study, social disconnection has previously been associated with negative health effects, such as poor immune function, cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure, and neurodevelopmental impairment. Additionally, it can be a source of stress that has detrimental impacts on the body.

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Individuals who experienced any level of social disconnection were found to have a higher body mass index, more chronic health conditions, and unhealthy behaviors such as excessive smoking, alcohol consumption, or insufficient physical activity. The study also suggests that these factors could potentially lead to feelings of loneliness or social isolation, rather than being solely influenced by them.

The researchers did not have data on the quality of relationships individuals had with those they lived with, which could explain why simply sharing a home with someone may not necessarily alleviate the negative effects of loneliness or isolation.

The study's coauthor, Jason Gill, a professor of cardiometabolic health at the University of Glasgow, stated during a press briefing that the study provides implications for how we can assist isolated individuals. He emphasized that relying on just one intervention is not sufficient, as multiple approaches are needed to address the various components of isolation.

Dr. Olivia Remes, a mental health researcher at the University of Cambridge in England, who was not involved in the study, added that individuals who received visits from loved ones benefitted even more when they also participated in other social group activities. Both aspects are crucial in helping people feel more connected. Gill also suggested that these activities could include hobby-based classes or religious services.

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Social organizations, like the UK-based Befriending Networks organization, can assist individuals in finding new friends or becoming companions for those in need, according to him.

While the authors did not explore the impact of animal companions, Foster mentioned that previous studies have demonstrated the potential benefits of owning a pet when living alone.