Study: Loneliness Reduces Healthy Lifespan and Harms Mental Health

A comprehensive new study links social isolation and feelings of loneliness to a significantly shorter healthy lifespan. The effects on mental health are particularly concerning.

Men experiencing both social isolation and loneliness lost an average of 5.8 years free from depression and anxiety, while women lost approximately 3.7 years. These findings are based on an analysis of nearly 150 studies recently published in Nature Communications.

The study clearly distinguishes between social isolation, defined as an objective lack of social connections, and loneliness, which is the subjective feeling of lacking meaningful relationships. It is possible to have numerous social interactions but still feel lonely if those connections are not meaningful.

Previous research has already established a strong link between robust social ties and increased longevity. One analysis suggested that strong social connections can improve survival chances by 50 percent, irrespective of age, sex, or health status. The health risks associated with having few friendships have been compared to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.