Loneliness as a health risk: what you should know

Updated November 14, 2026 Six Habits Editorial Team

A neighbour with a pie knocking on the door of an older woman who sat alone by the window

The short answerLoneliness, the subjective feeling of lacking relationships, is linked to about 26% higher risk of death, and social isolation to about 29%. Poor social connection is also associated with higher risk of stroke and heart disease. Loneliness is not a diagnosis, but it deserves to be taken as seriously as other risk factors.

Key points

Loneliness is linked to about 26% higher risk of death; isolation to about 29%.
Poor social relationships: 29% higher coronary heart disease risk and 32% higher stroke risk.
Anyone can feel lonely, but older adults, people who have moved and people with chronic illness are especially vulnerable.
Regular contact, shared activities and, if needed, psychological support help.

Loneliness versus isolation

Social isolation means objectively having few social contacts. Loneliness is the painful feeling that your connections are not enough. They often overlap but are not the same: some people live alone and feel connected, others are surrounded by people and feel lonely.

What the data say

Mortality. A meta-analysis of 70 studies with more than 3.4 million people found that loneliness was linked to a 26% higher risk of death, social isolation to 29% and living alone to 32% (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2015). An earlier meta-analysis found stronger social relationships were linked to 50% higher odds of survival (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010).

Heart and stroke. A systematic review found that poor social relationships were linked to a 29% higher risk of coronary heart disease and a 32% higher risk of stroke (Valtorta et al., 2016).

Who is at risk

older adults, especially after losing a partner;
people who live alone;
people who have moved, including immigrants and refugees;
people with chronic illness, disabilities or caregiving duties;
young adults, who report some of the highest rates of loneliness.

What helps

Reach out regularly, even with short calls or texts.
Join groups built around shared activities.
Volunteer.
Consider therapy if loneliness is tied to anxiety or depression.

Limits of the evidence

These studies are observational and cannot prove cause, but the links are strong and consistent.

Frequently asked questions

How common is loneliness in the U.S.?

The Surgeon General’s 2023 advisory noted that about half of U.S. adults report measurable levels of loneliness.

Can loneliness be treated?

Yes. Approaches include building social skills, group activities, therapy that addresses negative thoughts about relationships and community programs.

Sources

Holt-Lunstad et al. (2015). Loneliness and Social Isolation as Risk Factors for Mortality. Perspectives on Psychological Science 10(2):227-237. doi:10.1177/1745691614568352
Valtorta et al. (2016). Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for coronary heart disease and stroke: systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal observational studies. Heart 102(13):1009-1016. doi:10.1136/heartjnl-2015-308790
Holt-Lunstad et al. (2010). Social Relationships and Mortality Risk: A Meta-analytic Review. PLoS Medicine 7(7):e1000316. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1000316
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory. www.hhs.gov

Prepared according to our evidence methodology and the principles of lifestyle medicine. For education only; it does not replace advice from your doctor.