Loneliness epidemic rivals smoking in health risks, study warns
Loneliness is a problem that significantly affects emotions and physical and mental health. Recent studies indicate that it can be as harmful as addictions, including smoking cigarettes. Can loneliness have such a negative impact on our health?
Studies conducted by the Ruhr University in Bochum, Germany, show that loneliness poses a serious risk to mental and physical health. As Professor of Social Neuroscience Dirk Scheele emphasised in an interview with Mediengruppe Bayern, loneliness increases the risk of various diseases.
Loneliness more dangerous than addictions
Analysis of data involving over 300,000 people showed that individuals with limited social contacts are more susceptible to premature death. According to Scheele, loneliness can be as destructive to health as smoking cigarettes or excessive alcohol consumption.
The results of the meta-analysis cited by Scheele indicate that social isolation has a similarly negative impact on health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Consequently, individuals in social isolation suffer from severe physical conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, and are 30% more likely to have a stroke or a heart attack.
Are we facing a loneliness pandemic?
Although the term "loneliness pandemic" is becoming more popular, Professor Scheele emphasises that the number of people experiencing loneliness over the past 40 years does not mean this problem affects everyone. Nevertheless, social isolation is becoming increasingly common, especially among younger generations. Scheele believes that loneliness can contribute to serious mental health issues, such as depression, as well as somatic diseases that shorten life.
Loneliness as a 21st century problem
The modern pace of life, the development of digitalisation, and the decreasing number of real human interactions are causing an increasing number of people to feel lonely. Although it is often an ignored problem, studies clearly show that loneliness can cause numerous health problems that directly affect life expectancy. Professor Scheele notes that the key solution is building strong social bonds and maintaining connections.
