A recent study conducted by researchers at Mayo Clinic sheds light on the detrimental effects of social isolation, revealing its association with accelerated biological aging and increased mortality risk. These findings underscore the importance of social connections in maintaining overall health and well-being. This study was published in the journal JACC Advances. The study was conducted by Rajai and colleagues.

Social isolation has long been recognized as a risk factor for various health issues, but its impact on biological aging and mortality risk has not been fully understood. This study aimed to examine the relationship between social contact and biological aging using advanced AI technology.
Researchers analyzed data from 280,000 adults aged 18 years and older who underwent outpatient care between June 2019 and March 2022. The study utilized an AI-enabled electrocardiogram (AI-ECG) to determine participants' predicted biological age and assessed social isolation using the Social Network Index.
The key findings of the study were:
• The study revealed that social isolation is associated with accelerated biological aging, as evidenced by a significant age gap between chronological and biological age.
• Participants with lower Social Network Index scores, indicating greater social isolation, had a larger difference between chronological and biological age.
• Social isolation was also linked to a higher risk of all-cause mortality, with participants who had low social index scores experiencing a significantly greater mortality risk.
• Racial disparities were observed, with non-white participants showing a greater difference between chronological and biological age compared to white participants.
• Comorbidities such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes were more prevalent among individuals with lower Social Network Index scores.
The study highlights the critical role of social connections in mitigating the effects of biological aging and reducing mortality risk. Addressing social isolation through interventions aimed at promoting social interaction and support networks could have significant implications for public health.
Social isolation is not only detrimental to mental well-being but also accelerates biological aging and increases mortality risk. Healthcare providers should consider screening for social isolation and implementing interventions to foster social connections, ultimately improving overall health outcomes and longevity.
Reference:
Rajai, N, Medina-Inojosa, J, Lewis, B. et al. Association Between Social Isolation With Age-Gap Determined by Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Electrocardiography. JACC Adv. null2024, 0 (0) .https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacadv.2024.100890