Surgeon General declares loneliness an epidemic and public health threat, calls for action.

The US surgeon general has declared loneliness as a public health epidemic, with about half of US adults experiencing it. Loneliness poses health risks as deadly as smoking a dozen cigarettes daily, costing the health industry billions of dollars annually. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the crisis, with people spending less time with friends and family. Loneliness increases the risk of premature death by nearly 30%, with poor social relationships also elevating the likelihood of stroke, heart disease, depression, anxiety, and dementia. The surgeon general is calling on workplaces, schools, technology companies, community organizations, parents, and other people to make changes that will boost the country’s connectedness.