Mental healthHealthy relationshipsStress relief

4 simple ways to avoid feeling lonely

Loneliness and isolation can have serious health effects—but being proactive goes a long way.


LearnMental health4 simple ways to avoid feeling lonely
Who feels lonely—and why
Volunteer
Spend time with a pet
Try a sport
Join a community organization

1 of 6

Loneliness is a growing epidemic in the United States, affecting millions of people of all ages. Those who feel lonely or socially isolated may have increased chances of dementia, stroke, high blood pressure, and coronary artery disease. Loneliness is also linked to a higher risk for early death.

Learn why so many Americans feel alone—and how to improve your social connections.

Sources: Campaign to End Loneliness. Fact Sheet: ... + 8
  1. Campaign to End Loneliness. Fact Sheet: Risk Factors. Accessed October 19, 2022.
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions. Last reviewed April 29, 2021.
  3. Primack BA, Shensa A, Sidani JE, et al. Social Media Use and Perceived Social Isolation Among Young Adults in the U.S. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2017. 53(1), P1-8,
  4. Carr DC, Kail BL, et al. Does Becoming A Volunteer Attenuate Loneliness Among Recently Widowed Older Adults?, The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, Volume 73, Issue 3, March 2018, Pages 501–510.
  5. McConnell AR, Brown CM, et al. Friends With Benefits: On the Positive Consequences of Pet Ownership. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 2011, Vol. 101, No. 6, 1239 –1252.
  6. Charnetski CJ, Riggers S, Brennan FX. Effect of petting a dog on immune system function. Psychol Rep. 2004 Dec;95(3 Pt 2):1087-91.
  7. Pels F & Kleinert J. Loneliness and physical activity: A systematic review. International Review of Sports & Exercise Pyschology. 2016. Volume 9, Issue 1.
  8. Haugen T, Safvenbaum R, Ommundsen Y. Sport Participation and Loneliness in Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Perceived Social Competence. Current Psychology. June 2013. 32(2):1-14.
  9. British Psychological Society (BPS). "The loneliness of the individual athlete." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 12 December 2016.
Written by Stephanie Parker.
Medically reviewed by Ann Wendling, MD, MPH.February, 2024
Updated onAugust, 2026
Written by Stephanie Parker.
Medically reviewed by Ann Wendling, MD, MPH.February, 2024
Updated onAugust, 2026
AskMDAskMD

Curious about Mental health?

Get instant answers from our AI health assistant

Ask Now

Recommended for you

Learn how being lonely can influence your physical and emotional and well-being.

Surprising ways loneliness affects your health—plus, tips for connecting with others
Slideshow

Research shows that human beings need to feel connected to a community.

4 ways to fight loneliness and build community
Video

Loneliness increased worldwide since COVID. Here are some tips to cope around the holidays.

5 tips for managing holiday loneliness
Video

Loneliness has serious health consequences. Learn how it can affect your heart, brain, and risk for chronic disease.

U.S. Surgeon General cautions against “epidemic of loneliness”
Article

Learn about how loneliness can affect you and your heart.

Loneliness and your heart
Video
AskMDHow can I be more consistent?
AskMD by Sharecare LogoAskMD by Sharecare Logo
Privacy policyConsumer health data privacyTerms of use
Cookie policyYour privacy choices

© 2026 Sharecare, Inc.

ask-mdask-md
AskMD by Sharecare LogoAskMD by Sharecare Logo
Privacy policyConsumer health data privacyTerms of use
Cookie policyYour privacy choices

© 2026 Sharecare, Inc.