Loneliness | Let Us Defeat Loneliness

Loneliness and physical health

• Loneliness increases the likelihood of mortality by 26% (Holt-Lunstad, 2015)
• The effect of loneliness and isolation on mortality is comparable to the impact of well-known risk factors such as obesity, and has a similar influence as cigarette smoking (Holt-Lunstad, 2010)
• Loneliness is associated with an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease and stroke (Valtorta et al, 2016)
• Loneliness increases the risk of high blood pressure (Hawkley et al, 2010)
• Lonely individuals are also at higher risk of the onset of disability (Lund et al, 2010)

Loneliness and mental health

• Loneliness puts individuals at greater risk of cognitive decline (James et al, 2011)
• One study concludes lonely people have a 64% increased chance of developing clinical dementia (Holwerda et al, 2012)
• Lonely individuals are more prone to depression (Cacioppo et al, 2006) (Green et al, 1992)
• Loneliness and low social interaction are predictive of suicide in older age (O’Connell et al, 2004)
• Maintaining independence