loneliness

American lore is full of tales of the lone cowboy, the rugged individualist who will do what needs to be done and ride off into the sunset. In reality, loneliness in America can be deadly.

Lacking connection can increase the risk for premature death to levels comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, according to a new advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General.

About half of U.S. adults say they’ve experienced loneliness, Dr. Vivek Murthy says in declaring the country's latest public health epidemic.

Hearing loss often happens gradually and earlier than expected. Getting hearing aids can help stave off side effects like depression and even early death.

For years, Dr. Linda Fried offered older patients who complained of being lonely what seemed to be sensible guidance. “Go out and find something that…

Former surgeon general Dr. Vivek Murthy says that underlying many of the most critical public health issues facing America today is an epidemic of loneliness. NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Dr. Murthy about what that means, and what he thinks should be done about it.

It's not clear whether spending a lot of time on Facebook, Snapchat or Instagram leads to social isolation, or whether the lonely seek solace in social media.

Little Brothers, which operates in San Francisco and several other cities, sends volunteers to brighten up the lives of isolated elderly people, helping them reduce the risk of serious illness.