Loneliness linked to nearly six fewer years free of mental illness

Loneliness and social isolation could cost people years of healthy life, according to a large new study, with an especially striking toll on mental health.

Researchers at Tulane University in the United States found that people who were both lonely and socially isolated could expect up to nearly six fewer years of life free from mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. The effects on physical health were smaller, but still significant. The study was published in Nature Communications.

Lonely is not the same as alone

The researchers distinguish between two things that are often treated as the same:

• Social isolation is an objective lack of social contact: living alone, seeing few people, taking part in few activities.
• Loneliness is a feeling: dissatisfaction with the quality of your relationships, however many people you see.

Someone can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely, while someone who lives alone may not.

What the study found

The team analysed data from 277,489 adults aged 40 to 69, none of whom had diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, dementia, cancer, depression or anxiety when the study began. Using age 50 as a reference point, they calculated how many years people could expect to live free of those conditions.

Compared with people who were neither lonely nor isolated:

• women who were both had 2.4 fewer years free from physical disease, and men 1.7 fewer years;
• women who were both had about 3.7 fewer years free from mental disorders, and men about 5.8 fewer years.

"Our research found men are more susceptible to being affected by loneliness," said the lead author, Professor Lu Qi.

Healthy habits help, but not with loneliness

A healthier lifestyle, including a better diet, regular exercise, enough sleep and not smoking, reduced the loss of healthy years linked to social isolation. But it did not significantly reduce the extra risk linked to feeling lonely, which suggests the two problems need different solutions.

The study was observational, so it shows an association rather than proving that loneliness causes illness. The team plans clinical trials to test whether it does.

A problem in the UK too

The UK appointed a minister for loneliness in 2018, and the Government's community life survey regularly finds that a significant minority of adults in England say they feel lonely often or always. Young adults are among the groups most likely to report loneliness, not only older people.

Where to find connection in Birmingham

Ways to meet people include volunteering, joining a sports club, walking group or choir, going to library events, and getting involved with community centres and places of worship. Anyone who is struggling can talk to their GP, call Samaritans free on 116 123 at any time, or contact the charity Mind for information about local support.