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Social isolation and all-cause mortality: a population-based cohort study in Denmark
Kristina Laugesen1, Lisbeth Munksgård Baggesen2, Sigrún Alba Jóhannesdóttir Schmidt2
1Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, 8200, Denmark. Kristina.laugesen@clin.au.dk.
Social isolation significantly increases mortality risk by 60-70%. This population-based study found that lacking social connections, particularly a partner, poses the greatest risk to longevity.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Social Sciences
Background:
- Social isolation is a known risk factor for increased mortality.
- Previous meta-analyses show considerable heterogeneity in effect sizes.
- New evidence is needed to clarify the association between social isolation and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide new evidence on the association between social isolation and mortality.
- To analyze the impact of social network components on mortality risk.
Main Methods:
- Population-based cohort study.
- Reconstruction of the Berkman and Syme's social network index (SNI) using partnership, social interaction, religious activity, and organizational membership.
- Estimation of cumulative mortality and adjusted mortality rate ratios (MRR), controlling for psychiatric, somatic, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors.
Main Results:
- Cumulative 7-year mortality was higher in the most socially isolated group (SNI 0/1) compared to the least isolated (SNI 4) in both men (11% vs. 5.4%) and women (9.6% vs. 3.9%).
- Adjusted MRRs comparing SNI 0/1 to SNI 4 were 1.7 for men and 1.6 for women.
- Absence of a partner was associated with the highest adjusted MRR (1.5 for men, 1.7 for women).
Conclusions:
- Social isolation is associated with a 60-70% increased mortality risk.
- The lack of a partner is a significant predictor of increased mortality.
- The findings underscore the importance of social connections for health and longevity.
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