A recent study reveals a disturbing connection between chronic loneliness and increased stroke risk among older adults. Conducted over 12 years, the research focused on individuals over the age of 50, discovering that those who consistently felt lonely were 56% more likely to suffer a stroke compared to their non-lonely counterparts. This study, led by Yenee Soh from the Harvard School of Public Health, highlights the profound impact loneliness can have on health, emphasizing the need for targeted public health interventions.
The study, published in eClinicalMedicine, analyzed data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) spanning from 2006 to 2018. More than 12,000 participants who had no prior history of stroke were surveyed about their loneliness levels using a standardized test. Of these, approximately 8,900 individuals were reassessed in 2010 to track changes in their loneliness over time. During the study period, 1,237 strokes were recorded, including 601 among those who had been evaluated for loneliness twice.
Participants were categorized into four groups based on their loneliness scores: “consistently low,” “remitting” (high loneliness initially but low later), “recent onset” (low initially but high later), and “consistently high.” Those in the “consistently high” group exhibited a 56% higher risk of stroke, even after adjusting for factors like depression and social isolation. This finding points to the chronic nature of loneliness as a critical factor in stroke risk.
Soh emphasized that any form of loneliness increased the risk of stroke, but the highest risk was observed in those experiencing long-term loneliness. This suggests that addressing chronic loneliness could be a vital component in stroke prevention strategies. “Repeat assessments of loneliness may help identify those who are chronically lonely and are therefore at a higher risk for stroke,” Soh stated. She also pointed out the importance of distinguishing loneliness from social isolation, as loneliness is a subjective feeling that can persist despite being surrounded by others.
The study aligns with previous research linking loneliness to cardiovascular diseases, highlighting the broader health implications of this emotional state. Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Brigham Young University who was not involved in the study, noted that the results are consistent with existing literature on the health effects of chronic loneliness.
The research used data from the University of Michigan’s HRS survey, which followed nearly 9,000 stroke-free adults aged 50 and older for over a decade. The study’s findings highlight the urgent need for public health interventions targeting loneliness, given its substantial impact on stroke risk and overall health.
Loneliness has been recognized as a major public health issue by various health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO). The U.S. Surgeon General has also highlighted its severe impact, equating its mortality effects to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. The study by Soh and colleagues adds to this growing body of evidence, suggesting that addressing loneliness should be a public health priority.
Middle-aged and older adults are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of chronic loneliness, which not only increases stroke risk but also contributes to long-term disability and mortality. The study’s findings call for comprehensive public health strategies that specifically target loneliness, promoting mental and emotional well-being alongside physical health.
Chronic loneliness poses a severe threat to health, increasing the risk of stroke among older adults. This study highlights the need for repeated assessments and targeted interventions to mitigate the health consequences of loneliness, reinforcing the importance of addressing this emotional state as part of broader public health efforts.
