Researchers at the University of Glasgow report a link between limited social communication and reduced life expectancy, based on findings published in BMC Medicine.
The study draws on data from 458,146 adults enrolled in the UK Biobank, a private collection of biological samples. The average participant was 56.5 years old. All volunteers answered questions about trust in loved ones and feelings of loneliness. They also provided details on who they lived with, how often they joined in social activities, and the nature of their interactions with friends and family.
Participants were followed for 12.6 years, during which 33,135 deaths occurred. The researchers observed that loneliness correlated with shorter life expectancy compared with individuals who remained socially engaged. Moreover, those with little or no contact with friends or relatives showed a higher risk of death from multiple causes.
The study does not yet uncover the mechanisms behind this relationship. Additional research is needed to clarify how social isolation influences health and longevity.
The findings align with a growing body of evidence that social connections contribute to well-being and survival, underscoring the importance of maintaining meaningful relationships for long-term health.