4 simple ways to avoid feeling lonely
Loneliness and isolation can have serious health effects—but being proactive goes a long way.
Jan, 2026
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Slide 1
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.
Written byStephanie Parker.
Medically reviewed byAnn Wendling, MD, MPH.
Sources: Campaign to End Loneliness. Fact Sheet: Risk Factors. Accessed October 19 + 8
- Campaign to End Loneliness. Fact Sheet: Risk Factors. Accessed October 19, 2022.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions. Last reviewed April 29, 2021.
- 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,
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pels F & Kleinert J. Loneliness and physical activity: A systematic review. International Review of Sports & Exercise Pyschology. 2016. Volume 9, Issue 1.
- 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.
- British Psychological Society (BPS). "The loneliness of the individual athlete." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 12 December 2016.
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