The relationship between loneliness and health

Abstract

The link between loneliness and health has been extensively documented in scientific literature. Loneliness is widely recognized as being a public health issue and concern has been heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic. A clear understanding of the association between loneliness and mortality and morbidity is needed to judge the extent of loneliness as a public health challenge and the need for interventions. This report summarizes evidence from the emerging academic literature on the topic, addresses the potential mechanisms linking loneliness and health, as well as the concerns related to the presence of reverse causality.