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9 July 2012 Last updated at 02:35 ET
Loneliness is 'major health issue'
By Philippa Roxby
Health reporter, BBC News
"No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main," wrote the poet John Donne in the 17th century, in an expression of loneliness and longing.
Some people seek isolation, but few choose to be lonely, primarily because it isn't good for us.
Loneliness doesn't just make people unhappy, research shows that it has an effect on mortality too.
It is also associated with poor mental health and, more surprisingly, with conditions such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension and dementia.
Loneliness is a public health issue that should be tackled urgently, says Laura Ferguson, director of the Campaign to End Loneliness, a coalition of organisations working to combat the problem including Age UK.
"There are links with early death. The risk factor is similar to smoking and worse than obesity."
With the prospect of an ageing population growing in size in years to come, it seems inevitable that loneliness can only become an even bigger problem.
More...
Loneliness is 'major health issue'
By Philippa Roxby
Health reporter, BBC News
"No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main," wrote the poet John Donne in the 17th century, in an expression of loneliness and longing.
Some people seek isolation, but few choose to be lonely, primarily because it isn't good for us.
Loneliness doesn't just make people unhappy, research shows that it has an effect on mortality too.
It is also associated with poor mental health and, more surprisingly, with conditions such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension and dementia.
Loneliness is a public health issue that should be tackled urgently, says Laura Ferguson, director of the Campaign to End Loneliness, a coalition of organisations working to combat the problem including Age UK.
"There are links with early death. The risk factor is similar to smoking and worse than obesity."
With the prospect of an ageing population growing in size in years to come, it seems inevitable that loneliness can only become an even bigger problem.
More...
