How Loneliness Wears on the Body

Ali Fehlhaber

The results suggested that people suffering from social isolation may be more prone to inflammation and less able to fight viral infections—which could be one reason why lonely elderly people are more susceptible to illnesses ranging from the common cold to dementia, and why they have higher mortality rates than their peers.

Recent Resources

Surgeon General's Advisory on Social Connection
The Surgeon General’s Advisory lays out a National Strategy to Advance Social Connection. It includes six pillars detailing recommendations that individuals, governments, workplaces, health systems, and community organizations can take to increase connection in their lives, communities, and across the country.
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Stuck at Home (together)
As we physically isolate due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our need for social connection remains. The UnLonely Project through the Foundation for the Art & Healing has resources and tools to engage in creative activities and enable social connections. Take a look.
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‘Social distancing’ shouldn’t mean losing human connection
World events plant new buzz terms into our public consciousness. This time, it’s “social distancing” — efforts to keep people healthy by keeping them apart. Social distancing can be many things...
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Funding for this initiative was made possible by contract no. HHSP233201500088I from ACL. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

How Loneliness Wears on the Body

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