The data are clear: Americans are experiencing unprecedented levels of loneliness. In a new poll last month by the American Psychiatric Association, 30 percent of adults reported feelings of loneliness at least once a week over the past year; 10 percent said they felt lonely every day.
Along with these data, a new systematic review strengthens the evidence on the links between social isolation, loneliness, and heart disease.
The review, published in Nature Scientific Reports, comes from a team of Saudi Arabian public health researchers who combined the data from six studies involving nearly 105,000 participants into a meta-analysis. They found that having poor social relationships (regular connections with family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers) was associated with a 16 percent increase in cardiovascular disease. Their analysis also found that older adults and retired people were more likely to experience social isolation and more likely to develop heart disease.
Loneliness and Other Health Problems
This new review builds on previous evidence that has found that loneliness contributes to larger health problems.
Among older adults, loneliness increases the risk of developing dementia, slows their walking speeds, and interferes with their ability to care for themselves. Loneliness is even associated with dying earlier. Among adolescents and young adults, loneliness increases the likelihood of headaches, stomach aches, sleep disturbances, and compulsive internet use.
Neuroscientists have found that feeling lonely changes the structure and function of our brains in areas associated with cognition, stress response, and emotions. Brain imaging studies have also found loneliness is related to the biological markers for Alzheimer’s disease.
What Can We Do About It?
The evidence is clear that loneliness is a problem. The question is, what should we do about it?
From a strategic perspective, the U.S. Surgeon General recommends a variety of interventions. They include building physical infrastructure—think parks, libraries, and playgrounds—that promote connection; enacting policies such as paid-family leave that promote family ties; and encouraging health providers to screen patients for social isolation and intervene when appropriate.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has tips for individuals who feel lonely. They include the following:
- Start conversations with friends, neighbors, and co-workers.
- Use social media to connect and interact with others, rather than just scrolling through posts or reading the news.
- Look for opportunities to volunteer in your community.
- Talk to your health care provider about how you are feeling.
The take-home message: Loneliness is a growing problem across the globe; it’s associated with a wide range of health problems, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
