Researchers from the University of Chicago followed a large group of people over 50 for six years to discover the influence of loneliness on health.
Approach to the investigation
For six years, 2100 people aged 50 and older were followed. A record was kept of which participants died in that period.
Loneliness
The loneliest participants were found to be twice as likely to die over the duration of the study than their least lonely peers. Compared to the average participant, loneliness increased the risk of premature death by 14 percent.
Impact
The impact of loneliness on premature death is therefore twice as great as the impact of obesity. Poverty increased the risk by 19 percent.
Statement
The researchers have an explanation for why loneliness has such major consequences:it disrupts your sleep, it increases your risk of high blood pressure and the chance of depression is significantly higher.
Source:Health Net | Image:Getty Images
