They found that, compared with people whose family and friends visited them daily, the risk of premature death for those who lived alone and never had visits increased by 39%. Engaging in activities with groups of people who weren’t loved ones didn’t help reduce this risk at all, suggesting that connections with friends or family may be more valuable than potentially surface-level interactions.
Social disconnection has previously been linked to poor immune function, cardiovascular issues such as high blood pressure and neurodevelopmental impairment, according to the study. It can also be a form of stress, which can negatively affect the body.