Loneliness Increases Risk Of Death: New Research Reveals

According to new studies, "having companions in life doesn't just make for adventures, it can also help you live longer."

The Researchers say that being alone and feeling lonely increases one's chances of early death by roughly 30%.

Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, of Brigham Young University, said that all need to take both feeling alone and being alone seriously. 

"We need to take both seriously." The data shows greater longevity if you're well connected but we should also be concerned with the times when "others may be surrounded by others and still feel lonely." Dr. Ju;ianne told CNN

However, only 3 of 70 studies in the review calculated the feelings of loneliness rather than actual isolation. Another factor in the review, which the authors take into account, is age and disease. The average age of the participants was 66, which shows the need for further research across younger age groups. The findings are published in the March issue of Perspectives in Psychological Science.

The research further reinforces the benefits of friendships and human connection as strategies for avoiding loneliness. The Mayo Clinic advises that despite the challenges a friendship may present, the benefits have a major impact.

UNHEALTHY Friendship Versus HEALTHY Friendship; which benefits would you prefer? (Note: both would have major impact on you, is either "GOOD" or "BAD."