New Publication Spotlight: Loneliness and cardiovascular disease incidence

We’re excited to share a new publication by Dr. Harold Lee, supported by the NIA Stress Measurement Network.

Through a cross-national comparison study, Dr. Lee and colleagues reveal that loneliness elevates cardiovascular disease risk among older adults in both South Korea and the United States. Despite cultural differences, the magnitude of risk was nearly identical, suggesting a universal impact of loneliness on heart health. The study further revealed that behavioral pathways—such as physical activity, alcohol use, and smoking—linking loneliness to CVD differ by context, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive interventions. Loneliness may be a target for population health intervention for most humans, but the intervention may need to be tailored based on national or cultural contexts.

Read the full article HERE.