Loneliness as a Public Health Issue

Ali Fehlhaber

Loneliness is a significant public health concern among elders. In addition to easing a potential source of suffering, the identification and targeting of interventions for lonely elders may significantly decrease physician visits and health care costs. Learn more about how we developed this knowledge and what research can show us.

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.

Loneliness as a Public Health Issue

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