Smokers may become more socially isolated and lonely than non-smokers as they get older, a new study suggests.
Previous research has found that people who are isolated and lonely are more likely to smoke. However, this latest study, which is the first of its kind, found that smoking itself may also lead to higher levels of isolation and loneliness.
The research, published this week in The Lancet Regional Health Europe and led by Imperial College London and UCL researchers, examined the relationship between smoking and the development of social isolation and loneliness.
It found that, over time, people who smoked saw their social contact reduce, and they became less socially engaged and more lonely, compared to non-smokers. With many people who smoke pledging to quit at the start of the new year, the authors hope that their new study will provide another incentive.
“Our research suggests smoking is bad for aspects of psychological and social health in addition to the well established physical impacts of smoking,” said study author, Dr Keir Philip, from Imperial’s National Heart & Lung Institute.
“Some people think smoking is a social activity, but our study did not support this idea – smokers actually became more socially isolated and lonely than non-smokers over time.”
He adds: “Our findings contribute to existing knowledge in this area, and suggest the existence of a vicious cycle of smoking, social isolation, and loneliness. This research provides yet more reasons why people should aim to stop smoking this new year, and adds justification to increase support for people trying to quit.”
The new study used data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), consisting of a nationally representative sample of 8,780 people aged 50 years and older in England. Participants’ social isolation and loneliness were assessed over 12 years (at the outset, then after 4, 8 and 12 years).
The researchers found that, at the outset of the study, current smokers were more likely to be lonely and socially isolated than non-smokers, having less frequent social interactions with family and friends, less frequent engagement with community and cultural activities, and being more likely to live alone.
Smoking was also associated with larger reductions in social contact, increases in social disengagement, and increases in loneliness over time.
These results remained even after considering factors like age, sex, and socioeconomic status.
