12 Ways to Avoid Loneliness

Humans are social beings, wired to connect with others. Having strong social connections is every bit as important as diet and exercise for health and well-being. But these ties have weakened over the past two decades, as U.S. adults spend less time with friends and family and more time alone, and about half experience loneliness. This is bad news for our health, according to the surgeon general’s 2023 advisory “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.”

Chronic loneliness and social isolation can increase the risk of developing dementia by approximately 50 percent in older adults, even after controlling for demographics and health status, the advisory states. A lack of connections also increases risk of heart disease and stroke. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, M.D., calls on governments, workplaces, health care systems and community organizations to help people build connections and community in their lives. His report also offers a dozen ways people can take action themselves to strengthen relationships and expand their social networks. Here’s the list, edited for brevity.