Karolay Lorenty

Karolay Lorenty

The impact of loneliness on men’s mental and physical health

3 April 2023

The impact of loneliness on men’s mental and physical health

Around 7% of adults across Europe report feeling lonely frequently. But the real prevalence of loneliness is likely to be higher, as stigma can mean people – especially men – stay silent.

Loneliness is increasingly recognised as a hidden killer of men. Although it is estimated that 20% of adults are socially isolated across Europe, and 7% report feeling lonely frequently, the prevalence of loneliness is likely to be even higher, as it often goes silent. Stigma, particularly among men, can make people reluctant to report their experiences.

Are men more likely to feel lonely?

While previous studies have mostly highlighted loneliness among older people and women, recent research is starting to challenge this perspective. New findings indicate that young men are more likely to experience loneliness than any other group. Millions of men across Europe are experiencing loneliness in silence because of their difficulties talking about it.

The BBC Loneliness Experiment has analysed data from an online survey of over 46,000 people aged 16–99 across the world. The participants’ responses have shone a light on the higher frequency of loneliness among men than women. Young men, in particular, are the most vulnerable to loneliness. A similar analysis found that young men are not just more likely to experience loneliness, but that the loneliness they experience is more intense.

Loneliness has a multidimensional effect on men’s health, contributing to many major public health challenges in Europe, including an association with higher rates of non-communicable diseases.

 

How does loneliness affect men’s health?

Loneliness has been associated with mental health problems; people who often feel lonely are more than twice as likely to experience depression as those who do not. Although loneliness is typically considered a psychological experience, it can also have a significant impact on men’s physical health. Loneliness is associated with an increased risk of death from all causes, especially among men. Its effect is comparable to that of other well-known risk factors, such as smoking, which is already more common among men than women.

Loneliness and social isolation can, for example, increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by nearly one third. This is partly due to the influence of physiological mechanisms, such as activation of the stress response and inflammation that loneliness triggers. Loneliness also increases the risk of high blood pressure, a leading cause of death from cardiovascular disease.

 

Why do we need to act now on loneliness among men?

Loneliness has a multidimensional effect on men’s health, contributing to many major public health challenges in Europe. Men face specific obstacles that put them at higher risk of increased healthcare utilisation and worse outcomes.

Across Europe, health systems are struggling to cope with the demand on healthcare services and recovery from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Loneliness is compounding these problems, not only due to its association with higher rates of non-communicable diseases but also due to higher rates of primary and emergency healthcare utilisation. The increasing number of older men living alone are a high-risk group that has an increased use of some healthcare services.

There has also been a sharp increase in mental illness in recent decades. However, societal stigma remains an obstacle for men who may need support, as they are less likely than women to talk about their mental health. Because of the relationship between loneliness and the onset of mental health problems, tackling men’s loneliness early could contribute significantly to the prevention and reduction of mental health issues.

Urgent action to tackle loneliness among men will be essential to alleviate the burden of diseases that are threatening our health systems and societies.

The impact of loneliness on men’s mental and physical health

The first step is to start conversations about loneliness, removing the stigma that may prevent men from admitting how they feel and asking for support.

 

What can we do as society to ease the burden of loneliness on men?

Social connectedness has been shown to decrease psychological and physiological deterioration. While there is little research on targeted interventions to prevent loneliness in young men, there are wider actions that can help to reduce the burden.

The first step is to start conversations about loneliness, removing the stigma that may prevent men from admitting how they feel and asking for support. Drawing attention to the widespread prevalence of loneliness – and its significant negative effects on health and mortality if it goes unaddressed – can help to elevate the conversation and increase the understanding of loneliness as a serious problem.

Healthcare professionals in primary care, as the first point of contact with the health system, are in a unique position to help catch loneliness early and prevent its negative effects on men’s health. Although most research has focused on older people, this approach could be just as valid for younger men who are struggling with loneliness.

It is also essential that policymakers take action. In the city of Pau, France, the government developed an Anti-Loneliness plan. Using workshops that encouraged the participation of citizens, it identified initiatives that would target isolated people – from small daily actions to changes in urban planning – that could remove barriers to connection.

Everyone can play a role in tackling loneliness among men. Putting a spotlight on men and their health can help to overcome the obstacles of silence and stigma that are most often seen in this group. Communities, employers and individuals can take action and collaborate to build a more socially connected society.

 

The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of The Health Policy Partnership.
Share