Social Isolation Looked Like a Health Exposure Across Economies

Social connection is often treated as context rather than a health exposure even though it can shape stress, help-seeking, adherence and practical support during illness. Social isolation was associated with higher mortality (HR 1.26), stroke, cardiovascular disease and pneumonia, with the mortality association visible across country-income groups. The study widens population health beyond biomedical risk factors and makes social connection part of the environment in which illness develops and care is sustained.