The Impact of Social Isolation on Mortality Rates: A Comprehensive Analysis

Human beings are in general social by nature, and having great social relationships can help them live healthier and longer. However, the absence of social relationships or social isolation can hamper their health and can also result in higher mortality.

Social isolation is characterized as the absence of social relationships⁽¹⁾ that can grow from social contacts, social resources, and participation in religious and social activities.^{(2, 3)} Social relationships are important for all human beings and are involved critically in the maintenance of health and well-being.^{(4, 5)}

It can be defined as, “an objective lack of social contact with other individuals, and is characterized by an individual having a restricted social network, experiencing paucity of social contact, or possibly living alone.” Social isolation can be a problem for people of any age, though symptoms might differ by age group. However, it is a particular problem in elderly people due to various reasons like mobility impairment, reduced economic resources, and so on. It can also begin early in childhood during the developmental phases, which can result from feelings of shame, guilt, or discrimination during childhood.

A recent meta-study confirms the association between social isolation and mortality. The large meta-analysis found that being socially isolated was linked with a 26% increase in the risk of all-cause death compared to individuals who were not socially isolated. The meta-study analyzed the findings of ninety separate studies involving 2, 205, 199 individuals all total. This analysis has been published in “Nature Human Behavior”⁽⁶⁾

Social isolation was also linked with an increased risk of death for those with cardiovascular diseases. A review from 2016 has published data that shows that social isolation, loneliness, or both were linked with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and around 32% higher risk of stroke.⁽⁷⁾

Social isolation is also seen mostly in older adults and this leads to an increased risk of serious health issues and mortality. According to a recent study, one in four adults aged 65 years or above are socially isolated.⁽⁸⁾ Social isolation impacts approximately 24% of elderly people in the U.S., approximately nine million people.⁽⁹⁾

The link between social isolation and higher mortality can be summarized into several key points. Let us see them below.

Social isolation negatively impacts the physical health of people. It has been linked with several chronic health conditions, such as hypertension, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, obesity, weakened immune function, and various mental health conditions.⁽¹⁰⁾ These health conditions can contribute to a higher mortality rate.

Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for mortality.^{(11, 12)} Earlier research has shown that people with social isolation are in general, less active physically.⁽¹³⁾ This could be because socially isolated individuals might have low self-esteem⁽¹⁴⁾ and be less attentive to their health or because of certain chronic illnesses and mobility limitations that are associated with social isolation.

Socially isolated people are more prone to consume excessive alcohol to help them deal with their psychological distress of being socially isolated.^{(15, 16)} Social isolation is considered to be a key risk factor for malnutrition. Research has suggested that those with fewer social contacts or living isolated lives have unhealthier diets containing lower nutritional value and fewer vegetables and fruits.⁽¹⁷⁾ Additionally, individuals with social isolation also have a higher frequency of binge eating because they might binge to cope with their feelings of loneliness or they might not have adequate self-regulation.⁽¹⁸⁾ Both, malnutrition and binge eating can be key factors for higher mortality.

Social isolation is also linked to several mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Social isolation causes chronic stress that results in accelerating aging leading to a higher risk of mortality.⁽¹⁹⁾ In addition to this, various mental health conditions and social isolation in particular can lead to unhealthy behaviors, such as substance abuse, which can negatively impact the person’s overall well-being and longevity.

One more key point to consider while discussing the link between social isolation and higher mortality is that the condition is linked with an increased risk of several physical health issues and a weakened immune system.⁽²⁰⁾ When the immune function is weakened, people become more susceptible to diseases and infections, and this can result in a higher risk of mortality, especially in elderly individuals.

Social isolation can cause people to follow unhealthy lifestyles and behaviors like smoking, excessive alcoholism, poor nutrition, and physical inactivity,^{(21, 22)} and all of these lead to the development of chronic health problems and increased mortality.

One of the major points to consider while discussing the link between social isolation and mortality is the reduced access to healthcare in socially isolated people, which can result in higher mortality. People struggling with social isolation may be less likely to seek medical attention, particularly when required. This can result in delayed diagnosis and treatment, thus leading to mortality or unsuccessful outcomes.

Individuals with social isolation have limited social contacts or lack social relationships. Human beings are social animals and they need gatherings, companions, and social relationships. When someone lacks these, they tend to suffer a lot from several health conditions, which can be physical and mental. However, the most important thing to note is the link between social isolation and higher mortality. It is essential to address the condition, improve overall health, and reduce mortality risk.

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