I wonder how much of this phenomenon is fueled by this research and these types of articles. They don't really say what causes the early death. There are a lot of cultural assumptions that fuels that result.

They only researched in high income countries. If those countries had universal health care, that might have made a difference. If those countries had universal basic income, that might have made a difference.

If people are having difficulty in getting health care or minimum means of support, they're going to have a more difficult time by themselves. With others, the people around them can care for each other.

There's a cultural bias from religion and because it's easier to survive with other people when resources are limited. These types of studies may just be confirming that bias and reinforcing it.

I would be interested to see a study in an area where people could be self-sustaining in all ways regarding survival. If social isolation still has an effect, then I'd be interested to see what it was.

At this point, it's difficult to see the relationship between social isolation and death because there are way too many factors that could be causing it. The factor may have to do more with resources than with connecting with people.

I'm thinking of people like monks and people like Thoreau. With enough resources and respect for their place in society, would people like that be subject to a shorter life?