US Surgeon General declares loneliness a public health crisis

The US surgeon general has declared loneliness an epidemic, with half of US adults experiencing it, and it poses health risks as deadly as smoking a dozen cigarettes daily, costing the health industry billions of dollars annually. The crisis has worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, with people spending less time with friends and family. Loneliness increases the risk of premature death by nearly 30%, with those with poor social relationships also having a greater risk of stroke and heart disease. The surgeon general is calling on workplaces, schools, technology companies, community organizations, parents, and others to make changes that will boost the country's connectedness.