Loneliness and social isolation are risk factors for premature death.

All of us who are deeply concerned with the issue of health know that among the various risk factors that threaten us are poor eating habits (including sugary drinks) and alcohol and tobacco consumption (common cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, heaters, etc.). shisha), sedentary lifestyle, overweight and obesity, environmental pollution (also noise) and excessive and constant stress, but it is likely that we do not realize that unchosen social isolation, that imposed on us by the total and extended loss of companionship, greatly exacerbated with the pandemic COVID-19, they are also a risk factor that increases the risk of premature death.

“We know enough to say with certainty that the social isolation and loneliness that older people generally face in most regions of the world has severe consequences for their physical and mental health and longevity, and so we should invest in effective interventions and strategies to reduce social isolation and loneliness in this segment of society.” population.” World Health Organization. Social isolation and loneliness among older adults: advocacy brief.

Among other investigations related to the topic, the articles are titled: Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for death: a meta-analytical review.s Loneliness, social isolation, cardiovascular disease, and mortality: a synthesis of the literature and conceptual framework.which were posted at various times on p US National Library of Medicine, Ensure that social isolation, whether real or perceived, detracts from the quality and life expectancy of those who suffer from it, either by affecting the exacerbation of pre-existing conditions, or by promoting the development of new conditions, among which we may include incidences of cerebrovascular disease, heart disease And blood vessels, anxiety, depression and dementia, leading to premature death.

It is important to consider that despite living immersed in the age of super-connectivity, facilitated (seemingly) by social networks, the web, emoji- and gif-filled text messages, emails, remote meetings, among other technological resources, convergence Social, daily, or at least frequent, hugs or chats, kisses or affection are still completely irreplaceable, as well as essential to improving and maintaining health.

Another study published on November 16 of last year in the journal JAMA Network is titled: Associations between loneliness and postoperative mortality among Medicare beneficiaries. Loneliness is associated with an increased risk of mortality after surgery, and while the study was conducted using statistical data only from the United States, it is strong enough to suggest that this pattern could be replicated in individuals from other countries.

A large percentage of the population in many countries suffers from high levels of loneliness. The large difference in data coverage between high-income countries (particularly Europe) and low- and middle-income countries has been a major problem for stocks. Evidence for unit temporal trends is insufficient. The results of this meta-analysis are limited by data paucity and methodological heterogeneity. Loneliness should be integrated into public health surveillance with greater geographic and age coverage, using standardized and validated measurement tools. BMJ. Prevalence of loneliness across 113 countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.