"The Loneliness Epidemic: Learning from Europeans to Combat Middle-Aged Isolation"

New research finds that middle-aged Americans are much more likely to experience loneliness than their European counterparts, with cultural norms, social media use, declining social connections, and economic policies contributing to the disparity. Experts suggest that building community and social connections, such as through volunteering, fostering connections with neighbors, attending local events, and staying physically active, can help combat loneliness, but note that social safety nets and policies supporting work-life balance and caregiving could also play a crucial role in addressing this issue.