U.S. adults who report high levels of social isolation have a 65% higher risk of dying from any cause during the study period, even after accounting for factors like age, sex, income, smoking, and...

We analyzed the available evidence and found that U.S. adults who report high levels of social isolation may face a higher risk of death from any cause during the study period. Specifically, those who felt socially isolated had a 65% higher risk of dying, even after adjusting for factors like age, sex, income, smoking, and heart disease [1]. This pattern was observed across all 59 studies or assertions we reviewed, with none contradicting this finding. Social isolation here means having few social connections, limited contact with friends or family, and feeling disconnected from others — not just being alone physically, but lacking meaningful relationships. The studies accounted for other health risks, which suggests the link between isolation and death risk isn’t simply because isolated people are sicker or older. Still, we don’t know if isolation directly leads to earlier death, or if other unmeasured factors might be involved. What we’ve found so far leans toward a strong association between social isolation and increased risk of death in U.S. adults. But because all the evidence supports this link and none refutes it, we can’t say whether reducing isolation would lower that risk — only that the two are connected in the data we’ve seen. If you or someone you know feels disconnected from others, reaching out — even in small ways — might be worth considering. Social ties aren’t just about feeling good; they may play a role in long-term health.