America has a loneliness epidemic. Here are 6 steps to address it

5/30/23
 
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from NPR,
5/2/23:

There is an epidemic of loneliness in the United States and lacking connection can increase the risk for premature death to levels comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, according to a new advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General.

The report released on Tuesday, titled “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation,” finds that even before the COVID-19 pandemic, about half of U.S. adults reported experiencing measurable levels of loneliness.

…the advisory outlines the framework for a new national strategy. It is based on six foundational pillars, which are:

  1. Strengthening social infrastructure, which includes things like parks and libraries as well as public programs.
  2. Enacting pro-connection public policies at every level of government, including things like accessible public transportation or paid family leave.
  3. Mobilizing the health sector to address the medical needs that stem from loneliness.
  4. Reforming digital environments to “critically evaluate our relationship with technology.”
  5. Deepening our knowledge through more robust research into the issue.
  6. Cultivating a culture of connection.

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