Prolonged Loneliness Increases Early Mortality Risk in Middle-Aged Women: Research

Synopsis

A recent study has established a direct link between chronic loneliness and early mortality among middle-aged women in Australia. The research indicates that persistent feelings of loneliness significantly elevate the risk of premature death, emphasizing the need for public awareness and clinical screening for loneliness.

Key Takeaways

Chronic loneliness is linked to early death.
Women aged 48-55 are significantly affected.
Loneliness increases the risk of death from 5% to 15%.
Screening for loneliness should be part of regular health checks.
Public awareness around loneliness needs to be improved.

Sydney, April 7 (NationPress) A recent study released on Monday has established, for the first time, a direct connection between chronic loneliness and increased risk of early death among middle-aged women in Australia.

Researchers examined two decades of data from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women's Health, which included more than 57,000 participants.

The analysis revealed that women aged between 48 and 55 who consistently reported feelings of loneliness over a span of 15 years were three times more likely to die prematurely than those who did not express feelings of loneliness.

Among women without ongoing loneliness, the risk of death was 5 percent, while it escalated to 15 percent for those experiencing persistent loneliness, as noted by researchers from the University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, and Western Sydney University, according to the Xinhua news agency.

“Loneliness is a risk factor that clinicians should screen for, similar to high blood pressure or cholesterol. It's crucial to enhance public awareness to demystify and destigmatize loneliness,” stated Neta HaGani, the lead author of the study.

Prof. Melody Ding from the University of Sydney, who served as the senior author of the study, highlighted that middle-aged women often act as primary caregivers for both young children and elderly parents, while also navigating significant life transitions such as menopause, retirement, or children leaving home, which may contribute to feelings of social isolation.

The study, published in BMJ Medicine, also identified a dose-dependent relationship: the more frequently loneliness was reported, the greater the risk of early mortality.

While there is a lack of comparable long-term data regarding men’s health, Ding emphasized that midlife can be a transitional phase that may adversely impact women more profoundly.