Loneliness may Increase Risk of Early Death

Though we all get a little lonely from time to time, a recent study suggests that extreme loneliness, particularly for seniors, can create lethal consequences.

According to researchers from the University of Chicago, they discovered that in extreme cases of loneliness, death can result.

For the study, lead researcher John Cacioppo, professor of psychology at the University of Chicago, monitored over 2,000 elderly participants who were over the age of 50. He focused on certain factors that may satisfy relationships, mental health over time and any declines specific to physical health that could potentially increase the risk of a premature death.

Based on a data from a 2010 meta-analysis, the researchers found that for seniors, loneliness was two times more deadly than obesity.

"We have mythic notions of retirement. We think that retirement means leaving friends and family and buying a place down in Florida where it is warm and living happily ever after. But that's probably not the best idea," Cacioppo said, via the Guardian. "We find people who continue to interact with co-workers after retirement and have friends close by are less lonely. Take time to enjoy yourself and share good times with family and friends. Non-lonely people enjoy themselves with other people."

The findings showed that older individuals who reported being lonely had a 14 percent higher risk of dying than those who did not regularly feel alone. The researchers also found that being lonely could negatively affect sleep patterns, increase blood pressure and put many of the participants at an increased risk for depression.

Based on these conclusions, the team determined three core variables that are tied to a healthy relationship-including relational connectedness, intimate connectedness and collective connectedness.

For those that may be alone more often, Cacioppo said that maintaining a healthy support group can help lead to a better lifestyle and overall health.

What do you think?

More information regarding the findings were presented at the American Association for the Advancement of Science Meeting in Chicago, IL.