Loneliness is affecting millions of Americans, and its impact may be more than just a fleeting feeling.
In fact, prolonged loneliness or lack of social connection is as unhealthy as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, raises the risk of premature death by nearly 30%, and increases the likelihood of a host of health problems including heart disease, stroke, anxiety, depression and dementia, according to a report released in May by he U.S. Surgeon General’s office.
