The Relationship between Loneliness and Mortality

This literature review explores the complex relationship between loneliness and mortality, emphasizing its effects on physical and mental health across different age groups. Drawing on studies from both Western and Asian contexts, the review highlights that loneliness contributes to increased risks of depression, cardiovascular diseases, substance abuse, and ultimately premature death, particularly among the elderly. It investigates how social relationships, living arrangements, cultural traditions, and institutional frameworks shape the experience of loneliness and its health outcomes. While some findings suggest a direct correlation between loneliness and mortality, others point to mediating factors such as health behavior and access to social or religious support. The paper also examines intervention strategies and proposes that targeted community-based programs and educational engagement may mitigate loneliness-related health risks. The findings underscore the need for more cross-cultural, longitudinal studies and policy-level interventions.