Loneliness is adversely associated with physical and mental health and lifestyle factors: Results from a Swiss national survey

Richard, Aline; Rohrmann, Sabine; Vandeleur, Caroline L.; Schmid, M.; Barth, Jürgen; Eichholzer, Monika

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0181442

Cited by 234 publications

(247 citation statements)

References 89 publications

(117 reference statements)

Supporting

Mentioning

204

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…People can live rather solitary lives but not feel lonely, and conversely, those with a rich social life can still feel lonely . Loneliness can be a transient state but also a long‐lasting perception with negative cognitive, mental, and physical health consequences . Several psychobiological processes including neuroendocrine dysregulation, exaggerated blood pressure, and inflammatory reactivity to acute stress have been suggested as underlying mechanisms explaining the association between loneliness and mental and physical health problems .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Several psychobiological processes including neuroendocrine dysregulation, exaggerated blood pressure, and inflammatory reactivity to acute stress have been suggested as underlying mechanisms explaining the association between loneliness and mental and physical health problems . It is also possible that poorer health behaviors, such as not meeting international physical activity recommendations of at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week (ie, physical inactivity), might be central to the association between loneliness and mental and physical health problems . The literature exploring the bidirectional associations between loneliness and physical inactivity is however inconsistent, with some studies indicating no association, while other studies have shown that physical inactivity is associated with increased feelings of loneliness .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Physical activity and loneliness among adults aged 50 years or older in six low‐ and middle‐income countries

Vancampfort

Lara

Smith

et al. 2019

Int J Geriat Psychiatry

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Introduction Loneliness is widespread and associated with deleterious outcomes in middle‐aged and older age people in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Physical activity is one potential psychosocial strategy with the potential to reduce loneliness in this population. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore associations between physical activity (PA) and loneliness in middle‐aged and older people from six LMICs. Materials and methods Data from the Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) were analyzed. Self‐reported data on loneliness and PA (as assessed by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire) were collected. Participants were dichotomized into those who do and do not meet the international recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous PA per week. Associations between loneliness and PA were examined using logistic regressions. Results Among 34 129 individuals aged 50 years or older, the prevalence of loneliness was higher among those not meeting the PA guidelines in all countries, although this difference was not significant in Mexico and South Africa. After full adjustment, not meeting PA guidelines was positively associated with loneliness in the meta‐analysis based on country‐wise estimates, with a moderate level of between‐country heterogeneity being observed (OR = 1.31; 95% CI, 1.07‐1.61; I2 = 48.7%). At an individual country level, statistical significance was only reached in Ghana (OR = 1.89; 95% CI = 1.44‐2.49). Discussion Our data suggest that physical inactivity and loneliness commonly co‐occur in adults aged 50 years or older in LMICs overall but that this association differs by country. Longitudinal studies are required to confirm these findings and investigate potential mechanisms that may inform future interventions.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Physical activity and loneliness among adults aged 50 years or older in six low‐ and middle‐income countries

Vancampfort

Lara

Smith

et al. 2019

Int J Geriat Psychiatry

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…If there is perceived isolation or loneliness, this increased threat and desire to connect can create physiologic changes that in turn increase morbidity and mortality . Ultimately, it is important for healthcare providers to recognize that the health effects of loneliness extend deeply into many aspects of adult health including increased risks of frailty, cardiac diseases, dementia, diabetes, loss of function, and early death …”

Section: Epidemiologymentioning

confidence: 99%

A Practical Approach to Assessing and Mitigating Loneliness and Isolation in Older Adults

Perissinotto

Holt‐Lunstad

Periyakoil

et al. 2019

J American Geriatrics Society

130

139

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Loneliness and social isolation are strongly associated with several adverse health outcomes in older persons including death and functional impairments. The strength of these associations has been compared with smoking. Accordingly, loneliness and isolation have significant public health implications. Despite the adverse impacts of loneliness and social isolation on quality of life, and their strong association with health outcomes, the evaluation of loneliness and isolation have not been integrated into medical care. The risks for loneliness may be of particular concern to persons with serious illness as patients and caregivers cope with the experience of loss, loss of independence, and increasing care needs. To date, there has been no uniform way of evaluating and documenting loneliness and social isolation as a part of a review of a patient's social determinants of health. This article provides a framework for healthcare systems, providers, and community members working with older adults to (1) understand loneliness, isolation, and its counterpart social connection; (2) describe the different ways loneliness affects health; and (3) create a framework for asking about and documenting these experiences. Finally, because the lack of studies assessing whether targeting loneliness can improve health outcomes is a major gap, we provide guidance on the future of interventions. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:657–662, 2019.

show abstract

“…In this study, smoking history was self-reported. The confidentiality of the survey content was duly considered, but there is known to be a relationship between psychological stress and smoking [31], and a study that measures urine cotinine levels may be needed in the future. Moreover, psychological stress was assessed only with the SDS and STAI.…”

Section: T Iida Et Al Open Journal Of Preventive Medicinementioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Psychological Stress from a National License Examination on the Urine 8-Hydroxy-Deoxyguanosine Levels in Young Female Students, Taking into Account the Menstrual Cycle

Iida¹,

Ito²,

Ishikawa³

et al. 2018

OJPM

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Objective: Urine 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (U8-OHdG) was a marker of oxidative stress-induced DNA damage; it was increased by psychological stress. Since the menstrual cycle may confound or modify the association between psychological stress and U8-OHdG. The aim of this study was to verify the effect of psychological stress from a national license examination on levels of U8-OHdG, which is a biomarker of oxidative stress. And the effects of women's menstrual cycles, which should be considered in mental and physical assessments, on U8-OHdG, were evaluated. Methods: The subjects were 18 female university students at a medical university in whom Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores, and U8-OHdG levels were measured in 3 phases of the menstrual cycle, the follicular phase, ovulatory phase, and luteal phase. The mean values were taken for the group during a time of classroom learning. The same measurements were also made one week before and the day after a national license examination and the measurements were compared among the three periods. Results and Conclusion: State anxiety and U8-OHdG levels were significantly higher in those with a week before the national license examination than in those with classroom lecture (State anxiety: p = 0.002, U8-OHdG levels: p = 0.007).The menstrual cycle did not show a significant correlation with U8-OHdG le- vels. This study demonstrated that levels of the oxidative stress biomarker U8-OHdG are not affected by changes in the menstrual cycle. It also showed that U8-OHdG levels increased with the psychological stress of a national license examination.

show abstract

Loneliness is adversely associated with physical and mental health and lifestyle factors: Results from a Swiss national survey

Cited by 234 publications

References 89 publications

Physical activity and loneliness among adults aged 50 years or older in six low‐ and middle‐income countries

Physical activity and loneliness among adults aged 50 years or older in six low‐ and middle‐income countries

A Practical Approach to Assessing and Mitigating Loneliness and Isolation in Older Adults

Effects of Psychological Stress from a National License Examination on the Urine 8-Hydroxy-Deoxyguanosine Levels in Young Female Students, Taking into Account the Menstrual Cycle

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About