People are social creatures, and we are meant to connect with others. However, when we are alone, when we feel alone or isolated, or when we struggle to find meaning in our lives, we can become lonely. Loneliness has become a serious public health concern that affects people of all ages, genders and socioeconomic backgrounds. A 2023 advisory report by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, called “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation,” has shed light on the severity of this problem. Murthy points out that loneliness is more common than smoking, obesity and diabetes. Most recently, the World Health Organization declared loneliness a major global health threat.

Roughly half of all adults experience loneliness, which has been linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, dementia and mental health conditions. Social isolation and loneliness in children and adolescents—which increased during the COVID-19 pandemic—raises the risk of developing anxiety and depression, too.

Because social ties are a basic human need, experts encourage us to build social interactions, which can boost our health, safety and well-being. There’s a national strategy with six main pillars that addresses this serious issue. The goal of the initiative is to build an integrated approach to improving community and social connectivity.

The six pillars offer suggestions for how parents and caregivers, schools, workplaces and governments and individual people can help strengthen social connections:

• Individuals can stay in touch with a varied network of people, limit use of social media and express gratitude to others.
• Parents and caregivers can engage with their children and teens, highlight the value of social connections and monitor online activity, which can be very isolating.
• Educators may incorporate social connection material into their health curricula to help students develop a feeling of belonging in the classroom.
• Local organizations and businesses also play an important role in establishing social connection by introducing programs that increase social contact and bring community members together.
• Individuals can get assistance from mental health and medical professionals to help with behavioral issues connected to loneliness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “How Right Now” platform provides helpful resources for people who are lonely.
• Individuals can address these issues at the local, state and federal government levels by voicing their concerns.

Even something as simple as reaching out to a friend, family member or neighbor to say hi or to invite them for a short walk can help. By coming together to address social disconnection and loneliness, we can all work toward building healthier and stronger communities.