Social isolation and loneliness linked to poor health – our study could help explain why

Numerous studies have shown that social isolation and loneliness are associated with an increased risk of early death, on a scale comparable to other known risk factors such as smoking and obesity. This year, the US surgeon general declared social isolation and loneliness to be a significant public health concern.

But scientists are still trying to untangle the physical processes behind the relationship. Our team’s recent study showed that social isolation and loneliness seem to be associated with higher levels of inflammation, which goes hand in hand with many health problems.

Researchers have argued that a desire for social connection –- and, conversely, an aversion to social disconnection –- is part of our evolutionary heritage. As a species, humans are not particularly big, strong or fast, but we are highly social, and our ancestors’ chances of survival and reproductive success would have relied on the principle of safety in numbers. Being cut off from the social group represents a threat to your safety.

 
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