The evidence also shows that loneliness can significantly increase the risk of early death. It is associated with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia as well as mental health disorders including depression and anxiety. It has also been linked to a range of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer.
Mindfulness practice has been shown to reduce loneliness and to shift gene expression profiles away from a predominantly pro-inflammatory profile associated with increased risk for chronic disease In a review in Nature on loneliness and health, principal research scientist Louise Hawkley from the University of Chicago, states that among the few studies providing evidence of health benefits, mindfulness practice has been shown to reduce loneliness and to shift gene expression profiles away from a predominantly pro-inflammatory profile associated with increased risk for chronic disease. Exercise programmes have also been shown benefits for both physical activity and loneliness levels.