Evidence shows that loneliness has a negative impact on both physical and mental health and increases the risk of early mortality.
There is strong evidence that the influence of social relationships has a similar effect to many other public health issues, for example:
- Suffering from loneliness can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes per day, worse that being physically inactive or obese
- People who are lonely and socially isolated have poorer health behaviours e.g. smoking, physical inactivity, less fruit and vegetable intake, and poorer sleep
Benefits to individuals
- Positive impact on physical and mental health
- People living longer in good health
- Healthier and happier East Ayrshire
Benefits for health and social care services
- Reduced health and social care costs
- Fewer GP visits
- Lower use of medication
- Fewer days in hospital
Benefits for communities
- Increased productivity (for employers)
- Improved independence
- Kind, connected communities
- Increased contribution to society
- More inclusive society