Loneliness may significantly increase your risk of dying. You’ve probably experience the psychological toll of feeling lonely at one point or another in your life, but you probably didn’t think about the effects that loneliness might have on your health. “The researchers analyzed data collected from 70 studies and more than 3.4 million people from 1980 to 2014. The studies, which followed people for about seven years on average, showed that people who were socially isolated, lonely or living alone had about a 30 percent higher chance of dying during a given study period than those who had regular social contact.” The researchers point out that loneliness may show up in different situations for different people. “Some people with strong social networks may still feel lonely, even when surrounded by loved ones. Others choose social isolation and even prefer it.” The effect was larger for those who were under 65 than for those over 65. The researchers hope that the findings show the importance of social ties in maintaining good overall health. “Although living alone can offer conveniences and advantages for an individual physical health is not among them.

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