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Social Interactions Are An Important Anti-Aging Strategy

Social Interactions Are An Important Anti-Aging Strategy

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Loneliness may increase the risk of premature death by 14%, among older men and women.

Previously, research has suggested that social isolation may shorten a person’s lifespan. John T, Cacioppo, from the University of Chicago (Illinois, USA), and colleagues completed a study involving 20,000 older men and women, revealing that loneliness may increase the risk of premature death by 14%.   Specifically, the study subjects who felt alone were found to incur greater sleep problems, high blood pressure impair immunity, and depression.  The lead author suggests that being disconnected from others may have as great an impact on longevity as having a disadvantaged socioeconomic status.

John T, Cacioppo, et al.  “Rewarding Social Connections Promote Successful Aging.” Presented at the 2014 Annual Meeting of the  American Association for Advancement of Science, 16 February 2014.