Smoking hits not only health: scientists reveal a new risk

A large-scale European study has shown that smokers feel lonelier over time, rather than more socially active. Scientists analyzed data from more than 50,000 people across 15 countries and found that over two years, the feeling of loneliness increased more among smokers than non-smokers.

A large-scale European study has shown that smokers do not become more socially active — on the contrary, over time they may feel lonelier. The findings were presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) conference in Barcelona. The study was led by respiratory disease specialist Dr. Keir Philip from the National Heart and Lung Institute at Imperial College London. Scientists analyzed information on more than 50,000 people from 15 countries participating in the European health and aging study SHARE. The average age of participants was 67. At the start of the observations, about 22% continued to smoke, and nearly half had at least two chronic diseases. Loneliness levels were assessed using a special scale. It turned out that smokers initially reported a more pronounced feeling of loneliness, and over two years, the feeling of loneliness increased more among smokers than non-smokers. Researchers cite several possible explanations: smoking-related diseases limit physical activity, and smoking bans in public places force smokers to leave company. However, the study does not prove a direct causal link.