Loneliness and Physical Health
GOAL: Shows that loneliness is a serious health issue that can be treated through psychological and social approaches, similar to other emotional health conditions.
KEYWORDS TO SEARCH: “loneliness treatment,” “loneliness clinical interventions,” “loneliness and health.”
EXAMPLE STUDY: Cacioppo, S. & Cacioppo, J.T. (2015). Loneliness: Clinical Import and Interventions. Found that loneliness affects both mental and physical health, and that effective treatments focus on changing negative thinking patterns and building meaningful social connections.
Found: Loneliness harms both mental and physical health but can be improved through therapy that changes negative thought patterns and builds real connections.
GOAL: Shows that loneliness has become a growing global public health concern, affecting mental, physical, and societal well-being.
KEYWORDS TO SEARCH: “loneliness public health,” “global rise in loneliness,”
EXAMPLE STUDY: Cacioppo, J.T. & Cacioppo, S. (2018). The Growing Problem of Loneliness. The Lancet. Highlights how loneliness has reached epidemic levels worldwide and is linked to higher risks of mental illness, heart disease, and early mortality—calling for large-scale social and community solutions.
Found: Loneliness is now a global public health issue linked to depression, heart disease, and early death, calling for large-scale community solutions.
GOAL: Highlight that loneliness and isolation remain common among older adults, even after the height of the pandemic, showing the ongoing need for connection and support.
KEYWORDS TO SEARCH: “loneliness older adults,” “social isolation seniors,” “community connection aging.”
EXAMPLE STUDY / ARTICLE:
University of Michigan (2024). 1 in 3 Older Adults Still Experience Loneliness and Isolation. Michigan Medicine Health Lab.
Findings show that about one-third of adults aged 50–80 continue to experience loneliness, with social isolation affecting both mental and physical health. Strong community ties and regular social contact remain key to healthy aging.
Want to collaborate or support our mission? Contact Meals with a Friend to learn more.
