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Study: Social Isolation Is Deadlier Than Obesity

Trending News: Loneliness Will Kill You Faster Than Obesity, Study Finds

Joel Balsam

August 13, 2018

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Long Story Short

More and more research is pointing to the growing loneliness epidemic.

Long Story

The numbers don't lie. When counting over 200 studies representing nearly four million people the facts stayed consistent – loneliness kills. And it's only getting worse.

Research presented at the 125th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association is the latest to highlight how in a world where we can be connected to others within seconds via social media, millions of us are dangerously isolated.

"Being connected to others socially is widely considered a fundamental human need -- crucial to both well-being and survival." said study author Julianne Holt-Lunstad. "Yet an increasing portion of the U.S. population now experiences isolation regularly."

In the U.S, 42.6 million adults over age 45 are said to be suffering from chronic loneliness and more than a quarter of the population lives alone. These people have been associated with a 50 percent reduced risk of early death, according to the growing body of research.

But it's not just those who are physically alone. People can feel lonely even while surrounded by plenty of people, The New York Times points out in a recent article on the loneliness epidemic.

There isn't an easy solution. In the United Kingdom, rising concerns about loneliness have prompted the government to name a First Minister For Loneliness, but that won't up and fix their problem. For men, there is also a stigma towards getting help that needs to be dealt with.

There isn't really a blanket thing I could say to make this all better – but I'll try. While you may think you're alone, the fact is you really aren't. There are people out there who care and – if that's what you're looking for – even a partner. It has never been more accessible to find someone you want to meet than it is today with online dating.

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Will the U.S. government ever aim to tackle the loneliness epidemic as they are in Britain?

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