Loneliness and Social Isolation as Risk Factors for Mortality: A Meta-Analytic Review

Researchers combined results from 70 long-term studies involving more than 3.4 million people. They looked at loneliness, social isolation, and living alone, then tracked who died during follow-up, which lasted about seven years on average. People who were socially isolated had about a 29% higher risk of death. Loneliness was linked with about a 26% higher risk, and living alone with about a 32% higher risk. These were observational studies, meaning they found links but could not prove that loneliness itself caused the deaths.

What this means for you: Maintaining meaningful social connections may be good for health, but this study does not show that a particular product or social activity will extend your life. Focus on supportive relationships and seek help if loneliness is persistent, while remembering that other health and life factors may explain part of the link.