Health Affairs June 22, 2020
Social isolation is a significant contributor to morbidity and early mortality. Greater prioritization of intervention science and policy is needed to address the public health burden.
KEY POINTS
- Social isolation and loneliness are prevalent in the population.
- There is robust evidence that social isolation and loneliness significantly increase risk and, conversely, that social connection reduces risk for premature mortality.
- Social isolation and loneliness are also associated with increased morbidity and dysregulation of various biomarkers of health, such as inflammation.
- Public health policy affecting social connectedness should be considered across all governmental sectors including health, transportation, education, housing, employment, food and nutrition, and environment.
- More evidence is needed to establish effective interventions aimed at reducing social isolation and loneliness and...
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