新奇事件簿 孤独已经成为重大健康隐患

New research suggests that loneliness and social isolation¹ may increase the risk of dying early by 50 per cent. The research is from Brigham Young University in the USA.

Researchers tried to find out how loneliness affected² the risk of early death. They said loneliness can occur even if people are surrounded by family and friends. Researchers also looked at the dangers to health of social isolation. This is when people have little or no contact with others. The research showed that the risk of premature³ death was 50 per cent lower for adults who mixed with friends and family. Researchers found that loneliness, social isolation, and living alone were all associated with an increased risk of early death.

最新研究显示，孤独和社会隔绝可能会使早亡的风险增加50%。这项研究来自美国杨百翰大学。研究人员试图查明孤独对早亡风险的影响。他们说，即使人们被家人和朋友包围，也可能会感到孤独。研究人员还查看了社会隔绝带来的健康隐患。这种状态指的是人们与他人的联系很少，甚至不联系。研究显示，如果成年人经常和朋友家人在一起，早亡的风险会降低50%。研究人员发现，孤独，社会隔绝和独自居住都与早亡风险增加有关。

The researchers added that loneliness, social isolation, and living alone could be more dangerous than obesity⁴. Professor Julianne Holt-Lunstad said the results of her research are worrying because the population is aging. She said: "Many nations around the world now suggest we are facing a 'loneliness epidemic⁵'. The challenge we face now is what can be done about it." She suggested that one way to help with this problem is to teach social skills to children in schools. She also said doctors should talk more about loneliness to their patients. In addition, she said people should prepare for their old age social life like they take out pensions to prepare for their financial future.

研究人员补充说，孤独，社会隔绝和独自居住比肥胖更加危险。Julianne Holt-Lunstad教授表示，她的研究结果非常令人担忧，因为人口逐渐老龄化。她说：“全世界许多国家都面临孤独流行病。我们现在面临的挑战是，针对这一点我们应该怎样做。”她建议，处理这个问题的其中一个方法是在学校教给孩子社交技能。她还表示，医生应该多跟病人解释一下孤独的问题。除此之外，她表示，人们应该为老年生活做好准备，比如应该存好保险金作为未来的经济保障。

1 isolation   

n.隔离，孤立，分解，分离

参考例句：

• The millionaire lived in complete isolation from the outside world.这位富翁过着与世隔绝的生活。
• He retired and lived in relative isolation.他退休后，生活比较孤寂。

2 affected   

adj.不自然的，假装的

参考例句：

• She showed an affected interest in our subject.她假装对我们的课题感到兴趣。
• His manners are affected.他的态度不自然。

3 premature   

adj.比预期时间早的；不成熟的，仓促的

参考例句：

• It is yet premature to predict the possible outcome of the dialogue.预言这次对话可能有什么结果为时尚早。
• The premature baby is doing well.那个早产的婴儿很健康。

4 obesity   

n.肥胖，肥大

参考例句：

• One effect of overeating may be obesity.吃得过多能导致肥胖。
• Sugar and fat can more easily lead to obesity than some other foods.糖和脂肪比其他食物更容易导致肥胖。

5 epidemic   

n.流行病；盛行；adj.流行性的，流传极广的

参考例句：

• That kind of epidemic disease has long been stamped out.那种传染病早已绝迹。
• The authorities tried to localise the epidemic.当局试图把流行病限制在局部范围。