Long-term loneliness may increase the risk of stroke by 56%, according to a new study. Researchers from Harvard University in the US found that chronic loneliness could have a big impact on people as they age. Those who experienced situational loneliness rather than suffering long term did not have an increased risk of stroke – suggesting that the impact of loneliness on stroke occurs over the longer term. Lead author Dr Yenee Soh, research associate at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, said: “Loneliness is increasingly considered a major public health issue. Our findings further hi…