Social isolation and loneliness: Undervalued risk factors for disease states and mortality

Abstract

Social isolation and loneliness are two common but undervalued conditions associated with a poor quality of life, decreased overall health and mortality. In this review, we aim to discuss the health consequences of social isolation and loneliness. We first provide the potential causes of these two conditions. Then, we explain the pathophysiological processes underlying the effects of social isolation and loneliness in disease states. Afterwards, we explain the important associations between these conditions and different non‐communicable diseases, as well as the impact of social isolation and loneliness on health‐related behaviours. Finally, we discuss the current and novel potential management strategies for these conditions. Healthcare professionals who attend to socially isolated and/or lonely patients should be fully competent in these conditions and assess their patients thoroughly to detect and properly understand the effects of isolation and loneliness. Patients should be offered education and treatment alternatives through shared decision‐making. Future studies are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms better and to improve the treatment strategies for both social isolation and loneliness.

Conservative Management in End-Stage Kidney Disease between the Dialysis Myth and Neglected Evidence-Based Medicine

“…The mortality risk stratification in ESKD should also consider socio-economic issues, such as social isolation, family context, type of care, and health care system [ 21 , 22 ]. After 80 years of age, the perception of life and death may be far from reason: the loss of spouses, relatives, and friends, poor social activity, and quality of life may influence treatment choices.…”

Association between illness perception and social alienation among maintenance hemodialysis patients: The mediating role of fear of progression

“…It encompasses subjective emotions such as loneliness and indifference, as well as objective behaviors such as rejection and avoidance. Studies have shown that social alienation was associated with an increase in poor health behaviors, including decreased physical activity, unhealthy dietary patterns, and increased suicidal ideation [19,20]. Unhealthy lifestyle choices and dietary patterns have been widely acknowledged as risk factors for a range of diseases, including cardiovascular disease [21][22][23].…”