Why loneliness may damage health
‘US scientists may have uncovered a genetic reason why lonely people may have poorer health.
The UCLA research, published in Genome Biology, found certain genes were more active in people who reported feelings of social isolation.
Many of the genes identified have links to the immune system and tissue inflammation – which may be damaging.
Other studies have shown clear links between lack of social support and illnesses such as heart disease.
The researchers said that quality, not quantity, of friendships, appeared to be important.’
