Advice for the lonely hearts club

Loneliness represents an underappreciated health crisis in the United States and is linked to a 29% higher risk of heart attack and a 32% higher risk of stroke. The underlying mechanism is thought to be similar to what happens when people feel depressed or stressed. Reconnecting with old friends can help short up social skills. To find new friends, people might look online or at their local library for classes, in-person clubs, or volunteer opportunities that match their interests.