Shocking Truth About Loneliness and Premature Death in Seniors

Even if you are living with someone, meeting with friends or other family is meaningful

Shocking Truth About Loneliness and Premature Death in Seniors

Efforts should be made to ensure that loved ones such as friends or family visit the elderly at least once a month to reduce the risk of premature death in this population.

The Daily Mail in the UK emphasized that loneliness has a significant correlation with the risk of premature death in the elderly, citing recent research results announced by a research team at the University of Glasgow.

The research team tracked and observed about 450,000 people for 12 years. At the start of the study, the average age of the participants was 57. Throughout the research period, they were consistently asked about:

– the frequency of visits from family or friends

– participation in group leisure activities

– whether they live alone

– whether they feel they can open up to someone close

– they often feel lonely

Over 12 years, 331,135 people died. The research team revealed that those who reported having less than one visit per month from friends or family were more likely to die.

People who have never received a visit from a loved one have a 39% higher risk of death compared to those who receive daily visits, according to the report. Conversely, those who receive visits more than once a month have a significantly lower risk of death.

The research team explained that this is because socially isolated individuals are more likely to engage in harmful behaviors to their health, such as smoking or drinking.

Jason Gill, one of the study’s co-authors, mentioned that “people who are very isolated and never meet friends or family, or meet them less than once a month, are at risk,” and he also suggested that “visiting elderly relatives living alone nearby would be beneficial.”

The study’s lead author, Dr. Hamish Foster, added, “Even if you live with someone, you are still at risk if you do not interact with friends or other family members.”

In addition to interaction with family, he also noted that individuals who actively participate in leisure activities such as singing lessons or going to church as weekly activities have a lower likelihood of dying.

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, assessed the study as “interesting research that confirms how precious it is to have close friends and family who care as you get older.”

By. Lee Min Kyung

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