loneliness

This is the first Valentine's Day since the U.S. surgeon general issued a public health advisory on loneliness and isolation. Therapists and public health experts see a way out for many doing without romantic love.

Some older Floridians have a new companion to help them combat loneliness: ElliQ is a tabletop device that uses AI to conduct humanlike conversations with its owners.

We all feel lonely at some point, but long-term social isolation can damage our mental and physical health. A new book called Project UnLonely shows how creative expression can foster friendships.

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.