A new advisory from the Surgeon General declares that there is an epidemic of loneliness in the United States and that lacking connection can increase the risk for premature death to levels comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

The advisory outlines the framework for a new national strategy which is based on the following six foundational pillars:

1. Strengthening social infrastructure, which includes things like parks and libraries as well as public programs.
2. Enacting pro-connection public policies at every level of government, such as accessible public transportation or paid family leave.
3. Mobilizing the health sector to address the medical needs that stem from loneliness.
4. Reforming digital environments to critically evaluate our relationship with technology.
5. Deepening our knowledge through more robust research into the issue.
6. Cultivating a culture of connection.

https://www.planetizen.com/news/2023/05/123068-new-report-loneliness-and-isolation

FOR FULL ADVISORY SEE HERE: 

https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf