Being single raises the prospect of an early death.
Single people are more likely to die young
A new study suggests that people who do not have a partner age faster and are more likely to pass away from a number of causes.
Researchers from Rochester, Minnesota in the United States analysed the link between social isolation and biological ageing by questioning over 280,000 men and women aged over 18 who were outpatients at the city's Mayo Clinic from 2019 to 2022 about their lives.
The same threat of premature death was also present for those who didn't take part in social activities, didn't talk to friends or family on the phone and didn't see chums and relatives in person.
Cardiologist Amir Lerman, the senior author of the study, said: "This study highlights the critical interplay between social isolation, health and ageing.
"Social isolation combined with demographic and medical conditions appears to be a significant risk factor for accelerated ageing and mortality.
"But we also know that people can change their behaviour - have more social interaction, exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, stop smoking, get adequate sleep, and so on.
"Making and sustaining these changes may go a long way towards improving overall health."