Loneliness and social isolation pose a greater threat to humans than obesity. This is the conclusion reached by psychologists from Brigham Young University (USA). In their opinion, the impact of these factors on the population is growing every year and may represent a national problem. Scientists reported this at the 125th annual convention of the American Psychological Association. The research press release is posted on the EurekAlert! Website.
According to experts, relationships with others are a fundamental human need that is important for both psychological well-being and survival. According to the Loneliness Study by the nonprofit AARP, 42.6 million American adults over the age of 45 suffer from chronic loneliness. According to the results of the 2014 census, more than a quarter of the population lives alone, and more than half of the citizens are unmarried.
Scientists conducted two meta-analyzes, each of which combined the results of dozens of studies. The first included 148 scientific papers, in which a total of 300 thousand volunteers participated. It turned out that strong social bonds contribute to a 50 percent reduction in the risk of early death. The second meta-analysis looked at data from 70 studies involving 3.4 million people from North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. The researchers concluded that social isolation or loneliness increases the risk of premature death more than other factors, including obesity.
Experts believe that the health care system should take into account the impact of social ties on the health of the population. It is also necessary to build recreation centers and parks where retirees, who are most vulnerable to loneliness, can communicate with other people.