The findings, presented at a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Chicago, suggests feeling alone can increase a senior's chances of premature death by 14 percent — nearly as much as the impact of being poor, said lead researcher John Cacioppo, a professor of psychology.
 

Cacioppo and colleagues said the findings may explain why married people often live longer lives and underscore studies showing satisfying relationships can help older people develop resilience, the ability to bounce back after adversity and grow from stresses in life.
 

"Retiring to Florida to live in a warmer climate among strangers isn't necessarily a good idea if it means you are disconnected from the people who mean the most to you," said Cacioppo, noting the findings have significant implications for America's greying Baby Boom generation.
 

"We are experiencing a silver tsunami demographically. The baby boomers are reaching retirement age. Each day between 2011 and 2030, an average of 10,000 people will turn 65," he said. "People have to think about how to protect themselves from depression, low subjective well-being and early mortality."
 

According to the study, researchers found that feeling isolated from others can disrupt sleep, elevate blood pressure, increase levels of the stress hormone cortisol, alter gene expression in immune cells, increase depression, and lower overall feelings of well-being.
 

In fact, Cacioppo and his colleagues' work showed loneliness has twice the impact on early death as obesity.
 

Cacioppo said older people can avoid loneliness by staying in touch with former co-workers, taking part in family traditions, and sharing good times with family and friends — all of which give older adults a chance to connect others. Although some people are happy to be alone, he noted most people thrive from social situations in which they provide and receive support.