Can you really die of loneliness?

As a health and social science researcher, I can tell you that while the term "dying of loneliness" is not a literal cause of death, it is a metaphor that encapsulates the very real and significant impact that social isolation and loneliness can have on a person's health and longevity. Social connections are fundamental to human well-being, and a lack of them can lead to a range of health issues that can, in turn, increase the risk of mortality. Loneliness can lead to chronic stress, which in turn can cause or exacerbate a number of health conditions, including heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline. It can also lead to unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, excessive drinking, and poor diet, which are all known risk factors for a range of diseases. Studies have shown that social isolation and loneliness can be as detrimental to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and that people who are lonely have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Moreover, the lack of social interaction can lead to a weakened immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases. While loneliness itself does not directly cause death, the health issues that can arise from it can increase the risk of dying prematurely. It's important to address loneliness and social isolation, not just for the sake of emotional well-being but also for physical health.

Loneliness is not just making us sick, it is killing us. Loneliness is a serious health risk. Studies of elderly people and social isolation concluded that those without adequate social interaction were twice as likely to die prematurely.