Loneliness becomes a growing public health crisis
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Widespread loneliness in the U.S. poses health risks as deadly as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, costing the health care industry billions of dollars annually, according to the U.S. surgeon general. Chronic social isolation has been linked to increased risks of heart disease, stroke, anxiety, depression, dementia, and premature death. Health officials warn that loneliness is no longer just a personal or emotional struggle, but a serious public health issue affecting millions of Americans. The advisory calls for stronger community support, better social connection, and greater awareness of how isolation can impact both mental and physical health.
Source
Surkalim D L, Luo M, Eres R, Gebel K, van Buskirk J, Bauman A et al. The prevalence of loneliness across 113 countries: systematic review and meta-analysis BMJ 2022; 376 :e067068 doi:10.1136/bmj-2021-067068
Additional Reading
https://www.vox.com/policy/2023/5/3/23707936/surgeon-general-loneliness-epidemic-report
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2023/05/02/loneliness-health-crisis-surgeon-general/