The Edinburgh skyline, UK Andrew Merry/Getty ImagesA large-scale study in the UK found that people who live in densely populated areas, especially those with tightly packed apartments, are more likely than others to feel lonely and isolated.Chris Webster from the University of Hong Kong, and his colleagues, analyzed health data from almost 406,000 people in 22 UK city cities. This data was held by the UK Biobank. They then compared this data with detailed information about their environment such as proximity to busy roads or green spaces.Researchers found that the self-reported loneliness of people increased by 2.8% for every 1000 additional housing units within a kilometre from their homes, while their self reported social isolation rose by 11.4%. Researchers controlled for age, socioeconomic status and health factors. They found that the effects were stronger in retirees and men.AdvertisementComparing with their counterparts who live in the lowest residential density, men living in the highest density were 23.5% more likely than those in the lowest. Retirees in the areas with the most housing were 17.4% more likely to experience loneliness.Webster says that our study shows that loneliness is still very prevalent in 21st century cities. We can also detect a pattern and measure it.Researchers also examined the mental health effects of housing type. They found that people who live near more detached housing had a lower risk of experiencing loneliness and isolation. However, a higher density of apartments was associated with an increase in these factors. Researchers suggest that this could be due to social stress and a lack privacy.The findings, they say, show the importance of urban design and density planning in strategies to combat loneliness and other chronic conditions.Chinmoy, a team member at the University of Hong Kong, said that housing is the foundation of any city. The way that they are packed could be key to building resilient and healthy cities of the future.Journal reference: Landscape and Urban Planning, DOI: 10.1016/j.landurbplan.2021.104194Do you need a listening ear or a helping hand? UK Samaritans 116 123; US National Suicide Prevention Line: 1 800 273 8255; hotlines for other countries.
