Called the biggest danger to humans
Loneliness and social isolation are a major threat to a person than obesity. To such conclusion psychologists from Brigham young University (USA). In their opinion, the impact of these factors on the population is growing every year and can represent a national problem.
About this, scientists reported at the 125th annual Convention of the American psychological Association. Press release published on the website EurekAlert!.
According to experts, relationships with other people is a fundamental human need, which is important for psychological well-being and survival. According to a study in the Loneliness Study conducted by the nonprofit organization AARP, 42.6 million American adults over the age of 45 suffers from chronic loneliness. According to a census in 2014, more than a quarter of the population lives alone, and over half of the citizens are not married.
The researchers conducted two meta-analyses, each of which combined the results of dozens of studies. The first consisted of 148 scientific papers, which were attended, in total, 300 thousand volunteers. It turned out that strong social ties contribute to a 50 percent reduction in the risk of early death. In the second meta-analysis studied data 70 studies involving 3.4 million people from North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. According to the findings of scientists, social isolation or loneliness increases risk of premature death to a greater extent than other factors, including obesity.
Experts believe that the healthcare system needs to consider the impact of social ties on health. Also it is necessary to construct recreation facilities and parks where seniors who are most vulnerable to loneliness, unable to communicate with other people.