"Loneliness Is as Harmful as Smoking 15 Cigarettes a Day... A Major Public Health Challenge"

US Authorities: "Should Be Treated Like Obesity or Medication"
Reduces Academic Achievement and Work Efficiency
Isolation-Related Medicare Costs Total 9 Trillion Won Annually

A study from the United States has found that loneliness is as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. There are calls to treat loneliness as a serious public health issue, similar to obesity or drug addiction.

Vivek Murthy, Director and Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHSCC), appeared on the British BBC on the 1st (local time) and said, "People might be surprised to learn that social connection increases the risk of early death at a level comparable to smoking," adding, "Loneliness is now a serious public health challenge that must be addressed."

The recently published report, "The Epidemic of Loneliness and Social Isolation," analyzes that "about half of Americans have experienced loneliness in recent years."

It is a night relying on a stand lamp in a room just over 2 pyeong. Although it is a night leaning on a single beam of light, there is no loneliness or sadness. It is a time to focus on the original knowledge based on the knowledge studied so far.

Surgeon General Murthy cited several related studies, claiming that loneliness increases the likelihood of early death by 26 to 29%. It is as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes daily. The risk of heart disease increases by 29%, and the risk of stroke by 32%.

Feelings of isolation are linked to anxiety, depression, and dementia, and studies show they create a state more vulnerable to viral infections and respiratory diseases.

These illnesses also penetrate daily life, being identified as factors that reduce academic achievement and work efficiency.

The problem extends to economic issues as well. Medical services related to isolation among the elderly account for $6.7 billion annually in Medicare (elderly health insurance) expenditures in the United States.

The issue of loneliness has worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, which reduced social interactions among people.

Surgeon General Murthy also cited research showing that the size of social networks decreased by an average of 16% between June 2019 and June 2020, when COVID-19 was spreading rapidly.

Murthy emphasized the need for a collective effort to "mend" the fractured social structure. Expanding community infrastructure that encompasses volunteer organizations, programs such as sports and religious gatherings, public transportation, housing, education policies, libraries, parks, and playgrounds is representative of this effort.

Individual efforts are also necessary. He suggested spending at least 15 minutes a day with loved ones and keeping distracting devices away when talking with others.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.