A groundbreaking study by experts at the University of Sydney has uncovered a direct connection between loneliness and an increased risk of early mortality among middle-aged women in Australia.
Published in BMJ Medicine, the research analyzed data from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women’s Health, a comprehensive survey launched in 1996 that tracks the health and well-being of over 57,000 Australian women. The study’s findings suggest that women who experience prolonged loneliness are three times more likely to die prematurely than those who do not report such feelings.
Professor Melody Ding, senior author of the study and a public health expert at the Sydney School of Public Health, emphasized the global scale of the issue. “Loneliness is a common experience worldwide, with one in three Australian adults feeling lonely at some point in their lives,” Ding said. “However, when loneliness becomes chronic, it can have a serious impact on health.”
While loneliness has long been associated with various health problems—including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and dementia—the new research is the first to establish a causal link between loneliness and mortality. Additionally, it is one of the few studies to examine the long-term effects of chronic loneliness.
Methodology and Key Findings
The study utilized two decades of data from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women’s Health, which includes surveys conducted every three years. The researchers focused on women aged 48 to 55 at the beginning of the study and tracked their health outcomes over 15 years.
The results were striking: women who reported feeling no loneliness throughout the study period had a 5% risk of dying early. In contrast, those who experienced consistent loneliness throughout the study faced a mortality risk that tripled to 15%. Furthermore, the research found a dose-dependent relationship, meaning that the more frequently a woman reported loneliness, the higher her risk of premature death.
Although similar longitudinal data on men is lacking, Professor Ding noted that middle age may be a particularly challenging time for women. “In this life stage, women often shoulder significant caregiving responsibilities for both young children and elderly parents, while also navigating major life transitions such as menopause, retirement, and children leaving home. These factors can lead to a feeling of social isolation.”
Implications for Public Health
Dr. Neta HaGani, the lead author of the study, called for further research into the mechanisms behind the loneliness-mortality link. “Our findings clearly show that loneliness not only correlates with existing health problems but also contributes to their development. It should be treated as a serious health risk factor, one that clinicians should screen for just as they would with high blood pressure or cholesterol,” HaGani said.
The researchers also emphasized the importance of raising public awareness about loneliness. “We must work to demystify and destigmatize loneliness,” HaGani concluded, highlighting the need for society to address this growing issue.
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