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- Journal of American Medical Association(JAMA)
- Meta Analysis: Social Isolation, Lonliness tied to Higher Mortality
India
healthysoch
Chandigarh, July 02, 023:
Social Isolation and Loneliness were associated with a 32% and 14% higher risk, respectively of all cause mortality, as well as an increased risk of cancer mortality, according to a meta- analysis of 90 prospective cohort studies that included more than 2 million adults aged 18 years or older.
This is a meta analysis of 90 prospective studies where the effect of social isolation and loneliness was co- related with cardiovascular deaths, cancer deaths and overall mortality rate. The studies included more than 2 million adults.
Social isolation and loneliness were associated with a 32% higher risk of overall mortality and 14% higher cancer related mortality . Social contact with other people, was also related to higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
Due to social isolation and loneliness there is over production of cortisol from activation of the hypothalamic- pituitary- adrenocortical axis, which is likely cause of excess mortality.
According to Dr(Prof) G C Khilnani : The Life expectancy has increased all over the world . (India 70.15 yrs, Japan 84.6yrs). Improved economic status and advanced medical care are important reasons are for this improvement. We always focus on `Healthy life style’ which include diet, exercise, control of blood pressure, sugar, cholesterol etc.
However, our social system has changed in last decades. Joint families are `things of past’. Quite often, children leave home after school for studies and more often for abroad after finishing education. Families are becoming smaller with `ONE CHILD NORM’. There will be no Chachas, Mamas, Mausi, Bua etc. as our society grows.
We have seen relations breaking due to several issues including related to parental properties. With the result, elders are left alone to fend for themselves physically and socially. The `NEIGHBOURHOOD’ interaction and visiting a friend without `prior appointment’ is `NORM OF OLDEN DAYS’. With the result the elderly are left with TV and mobile phones.
This meta analysis of 90 studies with more than two million subjects is indeed an `EYE OPENER’ confirming high overall mortality not only with heart disease but also with cancers. We need to think and take a relook at our social system and our life style. Meeting friends without any purpose, picking up new hobbies (such as learning music instruments) would help a great deal in engaging, enjoying and interacting.
IT IS TIME TO THINK AND DO BRAINSTORMING IN INTEREST OF OUR FUTURE.
Author: Dr(Prof) G C Khilnani Chairman, PSRI Institute of Pulmonary, Critical care and Sleep Medicine Formerly Professor and Head of Dept of Pulmonary, Critical care and Sleep Medicine. AIIMS, New Delhi
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