A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, leading to the rapid death of brain cells in large numbers. Loneliness, considered a major public health problem, was identified as a contributing factor to this increased risk of stroke. Research conducted by experts at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health and published in the journal eClinicalMedicine on June 24 found that living alone can significantly increase the risk of stroke in the elderly.
Levels of loneliness were associated with increased risk of stroke in a study using data from the Health and Retirement Study involving over 12,600 participants aged 50 or older. Individuals who lived alone or experienced moderate levels of loneliness had a higher risk of stroke compared to those who did not experience loneliness. Further analysis is needed to explore the nuances of loneliness within each group and its specific impact on stroke risk.
Yenee Soh, a research associate in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, highlighted the importance of understanding the connection between loneliness and stroke risk. Previous studies have shown links between loneliness and cardiovascular disease, but few have specifically focused on the impact on stroke. The study provides valuable insights into how loneliness can contribute to health problems in later life and inform targeted interventions and support systems to improve overall well-being for older adults.
