According to research carried out by the University of Glasgow, those who do not see loved ones at least once a month and live alone have a significantly increased risk of dying. The study analysed 458,146 people with a mean age of 56.6 over a median of 12.6 years.
It's clear from the findings of the study that regular social connection is a crucial factor in living longer, and this is something that ‘housing with care’ options offered by integrated retirement communities can provide for older people. With facilities such as restaurants, bars and community halls and gardens, along with optional personal and domestic care where required, integrated retirement communities are primed to combat the risk of social isolation amongst the older population.
The findings of the study suggest that advice, interventions and policy may be needed to address different aspects of social interaction and target high-risk groups. The work of the Older People's Housing Taskforce will be crucial in increasing awareness of integrated retirement communities as a housing option available to older people, which in the context of this study will have an important role to play in counteracting the dangerous effects of loneliness.
People who were never visited by friends or family were 53% more likely to die from cardiovascular disease and had a 39% increased risk of death compared with those who were visited daily.
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