American doctor Vivek Murthy said that loneliness increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, senile dementia and depression more than smoking. In this respect reports Daily mail.
Some studies have found that loneliness caused by quarantines during the coronavirus outbreak contributes to cognitive decline in older people. Experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) also noted that young people are starting to communicate less with each other.
Murthy said social isolation increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases (including stroke) by 30%. The doctor added that smoking 15 cigarettes a day and obesity do not cause such damage to the heart and blood vessels. Lack of communication is also associated with an increased likelihood of mental health problems such as depression.
It is also stated that the result of self-isolation is the increased time people spend in front of gadget screens. People who use their phones or computers for more than two hours a day often feel lonelier and more disconnected from society than people who spend less than half an hour in front of a screen.
WHO experts stated that more studies are needed on the impact of social connections on people’s health. For this purpose, a special commission will be formed, which will include 11 politicians and public activists. The commission’s term of office will be three years. To protect the public from health problems caused by lack of communication, commissioners will collaborate with experts from other countries, including Japan’s Minister of Loneliness. This position was introduced due to government concerns about the number of lonely people prone to self-destructive behaviour.
Previously recognizedHow long you need to be alone with yourself for the feeling of loneliness to arise.