Addressing Loneliness in the Era of COVID-19
Nicolas K. Trad, J. Frank Wharam, Benjamin G. Druss
Abstract
Prolonged loneliness is a major yet underappreciated determinant of health, 1 placing individuals at greater risk of premature death than obesity, inadequate physical activity, or air pollution. 2 With more adults than ever before living alone 3 and a large proportion of older adults without access to online connectivity tools, the US has a dangerously fertile environment for an epidemic of loneliness caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) social distancing strategies. Groups at especially high risk include older adults, low-income individuals, and those with preexisting mental illness. Although social distancing is critical to mitigating COVID-19 transmission, the health care system should play a leading role in identifying, preventing, and alleviating loneliness and associated health risks during the pandemic.