@sunnysideup The correlatrion wasn't to say that adults need touch or will die. The point was, as humans, touch is a foundational necessity for growth at nascent stages of life --- From that, it isn't hard to infer that it would be at least important for growth and healthy functionality as adults. There are studies, I can't speak fully on the veracity, but say that we need 8-12 friendly touches/hugs a day as adult to be healthy and functional for our wellgood.
I don't think someone would just up and die if they aren't getting touched at all, no. Just that the lack of touch isn't trivial, and there is a biological component to it as well. I do agree that there should definitely be more studies into it.
I always used to take touch for granted, back when I was married. When my wife passed away, I felt it immediately: that desire to be held and loved but not having anyone to hold and be held by.
It's physically painful some days, and I spend a lot of time under heavy blankets to mimic the sensation. Not having cuddles and hugs really can be painful, especially if you're used to having them.
tldr; yes. Next question
Less sardonically - people are more resilient than we expect as outside observers, but also more brittle than we think as the subject in question. Or vice versa I guess, but I have more often seen that combination.
Adults can survive fine with touch starvation but will compensate in ways both unexpected and unhealthy. Whether this is worse than the dozen daily instances of dissociation in modern life is up for debate but this site exists because this is a big enough problem and other coregulation mechanisms are not cutting it
Take A Trip Out To This Person There's No Such Thing As Far Away
I just cuddled my friend's dog today... it's not as wonderful as a human for me... but the benefits were there. I hope you can be a bit resourceful and get the healing you need from touch.