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Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy issued a sobering advisory on loneliness in America. Loneliness has become an epidemic. Early in his tenure in office, people began to tell him they felt isolated, invisible, and insignificant. Even they couldn’t identify the word “lonely,” as being the culprit. People from all backgrounds and ages spoke of life burdens that they were caring on their shoulders. Many communicated that if they disappeared tomorrow, no one would notice.

In recent years, about one-in-two adults in America reported experiencing loneliness. And that was before the COVID-19 pandemic cut off so many of us from friends, loved ones and support systems, exacerbating loneliness and isolation.

Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling—it harms both individual and societal health. It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. The mortality impact of being socially disconnected is similar to that caused by smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and even greater than that associated with obesity and physical inactivity.

The harmful consequences of a society that lacks social connection can be felt in our schools, workplaces, and civic organizations, where performance, productivity, and engagement are diminished.

Given the profound consequences of loneliness and isolation, we have an opportunity and an obligation, to make the same investments in addressing social connections that we have made in addressing tobacco use, obesity, and the addiction crisis. The Surgeon General’s Advisory shows us how to build more connected lives and a more connected society.

If we as a society fail to take action, a high price will be paid for ever-increasing price in the form of our individual and collective health and well-being. If no action we will continue to splinter and divide until we can no longer stand as a community or a country. Instead of coming together to take on the great challenges before us, we will further retreat to our corners—angry, sick, and alone.

The United States is experiencing a loneliness epidemic, as nearly half of Americans feel lonely or left out. In his 2008 book, “Outliners,” author Malcolm Gladwell wrote about a small town called Roseto, located about 30 miles north of Allentown, in the foothills of Eastern Pennsylvania.

For years, Roseto primarily comprised of Italian immigrants who lived in multigenerational homes. As Gladwell wrote, the town made national news in the 1950s for its unprecedentedly low rates of heart disease relative to those of neighboring towns with more American traditions.

Social scientists were puzzled. The people of Roseto didn’t eat particularly healthily, often cooking with lard instead of olive oil. Meals typically consisted of cheese and fried meatballs, foods known to raise cholesterol levels. Many townspeople smoke cigars, worked in foundries, and struggled with obesity.

But their emotional health flourished. As a close-knit group, the Rosetans seldom felt socially isolated. For years, the town was defined by friendships, social activity, and support for one another. When someone was down, a loved one or neighbor was there to pick them up.

Many Americans who deal with loneliness struggle to establish relationships. They might lack companionship and experience long periods of isolation. Even people with a large circle of friends and an active social life can feel a deep sense of detachment.

“Loneliness is a general feeling of aloneness, whether others are present or not,” Dr. Chrysalis Wright, associate lecturer for the psychology department at the University of Central Florida, told the Recovery Village. “Sometimes people can experience feelings of loneliness when around others.”

Today Americans are lonelier than they’ve ever been. This contagious feeling has reached epidemic proportions in the United States, as people of all ages and backgrounds struggle to find a sense of belonging.

Studies Paint Picture of Loneliness in America



In 2018, the health insurer Cigna conducted a survey intended to measure the prevalence of loneliness in the United States. Among 20,000 adults surveyed nationwide, nearly half reported either sometimes or always feeling alone or left out.

About 53 percent of survey respondents said that they have meaningful in-person interactions on a daily basis. These interactions might include spending quality time with loved ones or having extended conversations with close friends. A lack of communication with others can contribute to loneliness.

Research shows that older Americans are susceptible to loneliness. A 2012 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that loneliness was a predictor of functional declines, such as a reduction in walking or climbing stairs, and death among people ages 60 or older.

However, older adults are not necessarily the loneliest demographic. The Cigna study showed that people ages 18 to 22 – known as Generation Z – were more likely to report feeling lonely than were older generations. This discovery coincides with multiple reports unearthing the rising levels of depression among young people.

Loneliness and social isolation have been linked to substance use and addiction. In an attempt to numb their psychological distress, many people who feel severely lonely turn to food, drugs or alcohol. They might engage in these substances to experience a euphoria that allows them to temporarily escape their negative emotions.

Solving Loneliness

The prevention and treatment of loneliness are contingent on a person’s specific needs. For example, a child who struggles to make friends may have different needs when compared with an adult whose spouse recently died.

Reducing loneliness requires time and dedication. To manage loneliness, people must first recognize that a problem exists. They could then take steps to express their negative emotions through art, music or writing. This can serve as a cathartic experience that can lead to positive thoughts and behaviors.

Engaging in hobbies can produce opportunities for social interaction. Individuals who enjoy playing sports can join a recreational league, where they might meet people with similar interests. College students can participate in extracurricular activities, such as academic teams or culture clubs, or community service to meet people.

• A Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy diet is effective for loneliness prevention. Good nutrition improves physical health, regulates emotions and feelings and positively influences one’s overall well-being.

Staying properly hydrated is also essential. Mild to moderate dehydration can lead to multiple symptoms that may cause discomfort, which might prevent other activity. Not feeling good can prevent you from going out and socializing.

• Make Sleep a Priority

Getting high-quality sleep is equally important. Lack of sleep has been associated with chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, heart disease and depression. Good sleep is essential for great health. Researchers at the University of California, Berkely found a link between sleep loss and social isolation. The less sleep you get, the less you want to socially interact.

• Keep Up With Care

Consistent medical check-ups can help keep you healthy and prevent isolation.

• Additional Tips to Help Older Adults Remain Connected

• Practice gratitude. Keeping a daily gratitude journal can help older adults recognize the positivity in their lives even when things seem bleak.
• Find your faith. Whether affiliated with a church, temple or mosque, great connections and activities can be found within religious organizations.
• Encourage friends and family to visit. Visits from loved ones and other friends can do a great deal for a person’s mental health and in preventing loneliness.
• Consider a roommate. If someone lives alone, a roommate is one path to companionship.

Connection to others is good self-care. Your body keeps core. Nurture your body and well-being mentally, physically, socially and spiritually.