27 Jun Meta-Analysis Study Shows That Loneliness is Literally Killing People
You’ve most likely heard about the “epidemic” of loneliness.
And even if you’ve not, you can probably imagine how distressing it might be if you were one of the lonely.
Maybe you are; or maybe you know someone. And if so, you probably know it can massively influence happiness and mental health.
It is, in fact, the exact opposite of what we know contributes to happiness and a good life which is connection and positive relationships.
So, it’s time to really pay attention, in our working and personal lives …
via Inc.com by Nick Hobson
Loneliness and social isolation are on the rise, and it’s proving to be lethal.
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, modern technology and communication has become an inseparable part of everyone’s lives, from Gen Zs to Boomers. But society’s concern for “screen time” is mostly with the younger generations. We question whether young people today have become overly reliant on screens. They’re on social media but as a group, they’re less social than ever before.
Following statements like “no one goes outside to play anymore,” most young people roll their eyes and resume their screen scrolling. Adults too, however, are complicit in this trend: Online meetings, solitary remote work, and more time spent in front of screens rather than with friends and family are on the rise. With the Covid-19 pandemic, this increasing trend of isolation rose to an unprecedented level through mandated social distancing, isolation, and quarantine. Despite the necessary nature of this extreme case, its ramifications were universally felt as families were separated and friends were isolated.
The impact of loneliness
However, the consequences of isolated screen time and loneliness extend far beyond our immediate circumstances. A recent meta-analysis published in Nature Human Behavior and conducted by a team of epidemiologists draws on insights from 90 prospective cohort studies involving over 2 million adults, has shed light on the profound impact of social isolation and loneliness on mortality risk. The findings indicate that both social isolation and loneliness significantly increase the risk of all-cause mortality in the general population.
Furthermore, these states of isolation have been identified as potential catalysts for elevated mortality from cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The meta-analysis reveals that social isolation is not limited to causing adverse outcomes in the general population. Individuals already burdened with health conditions, such as CVD or breast cancer, face even greater mortality risks when socially isolated. The implications are striking, as breast cancer patients in particular experience higher cancer-specific mortality when deprived of social connections…
… keep reading the full & original article HERE