Do you want to live longer? Pay attention to your companies, says study

Ua study by UK Biobank, which involved more than 500,000 people, concluded that those who experienced greater isolation and loneliness were less likely to live longer and better.

A Real Article Simple reveals that for the study the researchers evaluated loneliness and social isolation through a questionnaire and subsequently separated the participants into four groups:

1. No loneliness or social isolation;
2. Only with loneliness; 
3. Only with social isolation;
4. Loneliness and social isolation. 

The researchers then analyzed how loneliness and social isolation affected the life expectancy of participants without severe chronic diseases that would affect their longevity. 

Among these diseases were diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, dementia, cancer, depression and anxiety. 

The results showed that more lonely people with greater social isolation – compared to those who did not register these factors – had a lower life expectancy, even without chronic physical diseases. 

The great conclusion of the study is that the experience of loneliness and social isolation can reduce life expectancy without diseases, leading to premature death.

Social isolation versus loneliness

It should be noted that the study makes the distinction between social isolation and loneliness. “Both are linked to fewer years of healthy life, especially when it comes to anxiety and depression,” says the therapist Chloë Bean.

“Social isolation has to do with how often someone spends time with other people,” Bean notes. 

This may arise from circumstances such as a change of home, the end of a relationship, remote work, among others. Social isolation can be described as a lack of contact and connection with other people, he also highlights psychiatrist Drew Maygren. 

It is also a form of self-protection, because if you do not contact anyone, there is no chance of being rejected or abandoned. 

Loneliness, on the other hand, is related to the quality of relationships and the feeling of being really known to someone. 

Why social isolation and loneliness affect health

“ When people are not connected, stress can be more difficult to control and, over time, this may disturb sleep, daily habits and physical health”, says family therapist Saba Harouni Lurie. 

“ Having people we can support also influences how we take care of ourselves. Someone can understand when we are not well, encourage us to consult a doctor and help us stay active”, he adds.

How to fight loneliness: Practical tips

• Get in touch with someone you trust; 
• Create recurring and meaningful contacts;
• Go beyond superficial conversations;
• Say hello to the people on the street.