Loneliness and social isolation ‘can reduce a person’s lifespan’

The potential health impact of prolonged loneliness and social isolation may have been underestimated, according to a new study from the US.

Carried out by Brigham Young University, the research analysed data from a variety of health studies that included data for loneliness, social isolation and living alone, with the sample including more than three million participants.

The findings confirmed that the heightened risk of mortality from loneliness can be classed in the same category as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and being an alcoholic, while surpassing the health risks associated with obesity.

Moreover, the association between loneliness and risk for mortality among young populations is actually greater than among older demographics, even though older people are more likely to be lonely and face a higher mortality risk.

Tim Smith, co-author of the study, said: "In essence, the study is saying the more positive psychology we have in our world, the better we're able to function not just emotionally but physically."

The findings of the study will help to vindicate the UK government's current strategy of enshrining mental health as being an equal priority to physical health within the NHS.