Loneliness and social isolation correlate with multiple modifiable risk factors for chronic diseases including dementia.

Social isolation and loneliness are related but not the same thing. Both seem to contribute to poor health, but it is not clear how. This paper shows isolation is directly related to physical activity, smoking, dietary patterns and cognitive activity, while loneliness is only directly related to smoking and body-weight. In our sample of 6,670 older Australians enrolled in the ISLAND Project, neither isolation or loneliness directly influenced how well we attend to our cardiometabolic health (e.g. blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels). This suggests there are other factors at play that increase the likelihood of going to the GP and following up with health recommendations. The results contribute to understanding how isolation and loneliness influence poor health and can help guide the design of public health approaches aiming to reduce the risk of future chronic diseases and dementias.

Loneliness and social isolation correlate with multiple modifiable risk factors for chronic diseases including dementia.

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