People should make an effort to visit friends and loved ones at least once a month to avoid feeling lonely and reduce the risk of premature death, a study suggests.
Researchers have found that people who never or rarely have the company of loved ones are at greater risk of dying prematurely.
And scientists have warned that even those who live with someone else could be at risk if they don’t have regular visitors.
Previous studies have linked loneliness to an increased risk of premature death, but experts wanted to examine what impact different social interactions might have.
The team from the University of Glasgow analyzed five different types of social interaction reported by more than 450,000 people.
The researchers found that people who took part in weekly group activities – such as a singing lesson, going to church or groups such as Men’s Sheds – were less likely to die during the study
Participants were on average 57 years old at the start of the study and were followed for approximately 12 years.
They reported how often they were visited by family or friends, whether they participated in weekly group activities, and whether or not they lived alone.
They were also asked if they could confide in a loved one and if they “often” felt lonely.
33,135 people died during the follow-up period.
An analysis published in the journal BMC Medicine found that people who reported receiving visits from friends and family less than once a month were more likely to die over the next 12 years.
Those who were never visited by loved ones had a 39 percent higher risk of death compared to those who received daily visits.
The authors said people who were visited at least once a month had a significantly lower risk of death, suggesting that this social interaction may have a protective effect.
But the reduced risk appeared to remain the same regardless of whether someone visited daily, several times a week, weekly or monthly.
Jason Gill, co-author of the study, said: “The risk appears to exist.” [among] People who are very isolated and never see friends and family or less than once a month.
“It’s very helpful to make sure you visit your lonely and isolated family members because it seems important that people visit them at least once a month.”
People who lived together also apparently required monthly visits.
“There was still a risk associated with infrequent visits to friends and family, even among those who did not live alone,” said lead author Dr. Hamish Foster.
The researchers also found that people who participated in weekly group activities – such as a singing class, church or groups such as men’s sheds – were less likely to die during the study.
Dr Foster explained that the reason for their findings may be that people who are more socially isolated may engage in unhealthy behaviors such as smoking or drinking.
In the meantime, friends and family can offer people some support and help them access health care, which can help protect, he added.
Those who receive frequent visits from loved ones may also benefit from “higher quality relationships” than those who visit less frequently.
The researchers said the results could be used to identify people who are at greater risk of death due to social factors.
Commenting on the study, Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, said: “This is a very interesting new study which confirms how useful it is for us as we get older to have close friends and family to visit and look after. us to see. .”
“An older person’s emerging health or other problems are more likely to be noticed in this situation and positive and timely action is more likely to be taken.”
“It’s very easy for all of us at any age to ignore a health problem and put off doing something about it, but having someone close to confide in can really make a difference.”
“When we have one or more of these types of relationships, we are also much more likely to be forced to seek the professional help we need.”
“For some older people, offering to go to an appointment or at least help with transportation can mean the difference between actively pursuing a health problem or ignoring it until they become seriously ill.”
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
