In many cases I have seen, lonely people choose to live that way. By disconnecting themselves from others, they gain some kind of mental freedom. But, that freedom may take a toll on physical health and happiness later on.

In a new study, the unhealthy effects of loneliness pile up over time and may indeed lead to stress that breaks down the body in later years. So, even if you like being alone a majority of the time, not being alone may be better for you if you can make that jump in your chosen fashion (work, school, relationships, etc.).

The research in this latest study concluded that stress levels in college undergraduates and middle-aged and older people were roughly the same, but lonely people in those age ranges reported more chronic stressors.