Differential Effects of Loneliness and Depression on Mortality

Loneliness and depression are both major public health concerns, particularly among older adults.1,2 Extensive evidence indicates that loneliness and depression adversely affect similar health outcomes in older adults, including cognitive impairment, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, compromised immunity, metabolic syndrome, suicide, and early mortality. Furthermore, both states are also positively associated with obesity and harmful health behaviors, particularly smoking and physical inactivity.