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Modern, busy offices can be lonely places, Portland State University analysis shows
While someone’s personality traits might increase the likelihood of workplace loneliness, research finds the work environment can also play a significant role.
Korean startup wrtn is on track to pass $100M in annual recurring revenue, riding a loneliness epidemic-fueled boom in AI entertainment
Chief product officer Dong-jae Lee uses the analogy of a dungeon master for a tabletop RPG: the AI constructs a narrative in response to user choices.
Word on the Street: Election-night parties prove politics cures the loneliness epidemic
Watch parties, campaign friends and the ritual 8:45 p.m. vote drop create a rare sense of belonging in an increasingly disconnected age.
Forest Green Rovers footie prescribed for poor mental health
Football is being used to help people experiencing low mood, loneliness and other mental health challenges.
Lonely? Socially isolated? It may cost you 6 healthy years of life
The numbers paint a grim picture. Roughly half of all U.S. adults are lonely, according to a 2023 report, and nearly as many feel socially isolated. Though just as serious as other health risks, loneliness ...
Older Americans are lonely. It's a public health crisis.
"Loneliness in the second half of life needs to be a focus of public health policy."
Loneliness may steal nearly 6 years of good health
A large study suggests loneliness and social isolation can cost people years of healthy life, especially when it comes to mental health. Men experiencing both lost about 5.8 years free from depression and anxiety, while women lost roughly 3.7 years.
Adolescent Social Health May Foretell Loneliness, Aggressive Behavior, Study Suggests
Teens who are lonely and those who experience conflict in their home life are more likely to act aggressively toward peers or become victims themselves. These are some of the findings in a new University of California, Davis, study that creates a detailed picture of children’s social lives by identifying patterns and predictors of adolescent social health.
Bills and Pills: How Congress and Science Could Make the Future Less Lonely
A Bill for Loneliness? Proposed legislation would fund more research and social support—and create an office to advise the President A decade ago, official Washington wasn’t thinking about America’s loneliness epidemic. “Congress was paying zero attention to this issue, the executive branch was paying zero attention to this issue,” says Andrew MacPherson, chair of the
Poor leaders can tank employees’ mental health (and the company); his business summit puts workplace culture
“I’m a big believer in human to human connection because there’s so much loneliness and isolation happening,” explained Ebrima “Abraham” Sisay, host of the You Gotta No! Podcast (YGN) and its annual YGN Summit. “That’s because we’re getting further away from what we are meant to do as humans.”
Hastings campaigner says skateboarding helps tackle loneliness
Matt Davey, from Hastings, says skateboarding can help to support young men's mental health.
Pittsburgh group joins national push to fight loneliness
Pittsburgh Social Health will become the Pittsburgh Chamber of Connection.
How the loneliness of working from home can affect mental health: ‘The lab coat mentality is dangerous’
If the office is the place where friendships most often arise, people who work remotely, especially freelancers, are the most vulnerable to isolation, with all that this implies for their wellbeing
FDA quietly pushes back deadline on electric shock ban
Massachusetts' biggest nursing strike ever, tackling the male loneliness epidemic, and other health news for Morning Rounds
Cyberbullying may fuel teen mental health problems through loneliness, study finds
Teenagers who are subjected to online bullying are at greater risk of later emotional and behavioral difficulties, research suggests.
Hantavirus Is Scary. Your Daily Habits Are More Dangerous.
Why rare diseases like hantavirus generate fear while heart disease, loneliness, obesity, and poor sleep quietly cause far greater harm.
Michael Phelps is raising 4 boys. Here's how he helps them navigate 'big emotions'
Amid experts' rising concerns about the “manosphere” and male loneliness epidemic, the Olympic gold medalist has a message to share.
I moved to be closer to my kids and grandkids. I ended up moving back.
Feliz Hebert moved to Connecticut to be near her kids and grandkids, but loneliness and boredom led her back to Cape Cod instead.
Compeer Rochester launches new campaign to end loneliness, improve mental health
Compeer Rochester just launched its "Scroll Less, Connect More" volunteer campaign. The group's research found American adults spend an average of 64 hours on screens per month. The campaign asks Rochesterians to put their phones on pause for just four of those hours to make a new friend and support a person struggling with a mental health diagnosis.
These ‘Masturbation Consultants’ Were Hired to Pleasure Themselves With AI
Joi AI hired 10 people to masturbate using AI companions as part of a monthlong “wellness” study. The company claims the practice could help “solve male loneliness.”
Loneliness may contribute to memory issues, but not dementia — they are 'not the same thing'
A researcher explains what we know — and what we don't — about the link between loneliness and memory problems.
Juventus Mental Health Week: A week dedicated to mental wellbeing
Mental health is an integral part of every person’s wellbeing, and the connections we build can make all the difference. Feeling seen, heard and part of a community helps to combat loneliness and so...
Self-checkout made me realize how lonely we've become
I began choosing grocery cashiers over self-checkout and was surprised by how much small human interactions helped combat loneliness.
Specific is terrific: A modest idea to combat the epidemic of loneliness
Loneliness is a big problem. This is a small idea — and maybe that’s the point.
Scientists tested whether pets really make us happier: the answer is surprising - Futura-Sciences
Pets are often described as good for both mental and physical health, helping ease loneliness and support emotional well-being. But a new study suggests the picture is more complicated than simply owning a dog, cat, or another companion animal. Researchers at the University of Basel in Switzerland found little evidence...
‘MPs have had their stomachs pumped’: concerns over ‘alcohol-soaked’ culture in Westminster
Alcohol is embedded in profession where long hours, loneliness and lobbying are the norm, report finds
Care home for seniors brings alternative to home health care while tackling loneliness
Vermont has a housing crisis for seniors trying to age in place.
Dealing with loneliness for better health
FDA clears Stryker's ‘surgical cockpit’ that uses Apple's VR headset, Vision Pro
In this edition of STAT Health Tech: Stryker deploys Apple's VR headset Vision Pro for a surgical use case, chatbots for loneliness, and more.
The Hidden Health Toll of Loneliness in Aging
Loneliness in older adults is more than a social concern — it is linked to higher mortality, poorer mental health, frailty, and faster cognitive decline.
‘Loneliness influencers’ have no friends, but they say they’re happy. What they can teach us
The rise of “loneliness influencers” on social media shows how being alone doesn’t mean you have to hate your life. And for some, it has brought a sense of community.
The science of friendship and loneliness
Assistant professor of psychology Jessica Ayers’s new research challenges assumptions about the kind of friendships we need
Pope Leo XIV: Health cannot be a luxury for few
Pope Leo XIV reflects on situations of poverty, loneliness and isolation experienced by many people in Europe today and decries increasing ...
Missed Sexual Health Assessment May Limit Clinical Insight
New data show strong links between chronic disease, sexual dysfunction, and loneliness, highlighting missed opportunities for holistic patient evaluation.
Surrounded yet alone: The hidden loneliness behind Israel’s mental health crisis
A large and important study of online mental health support, conducted by the University of Haifa and Ben-Gurion University, analyzed real-time helpline data following the October 7 massacre.
How loneliness became major public health issue
U.K., U.S. experts trace rise in awareness through research, political involvement, pandemic
Staying safe in the cold: How to protect older adults from health risks and loneliness
Taking these steps can help ensure the safety and well-being of older loved ones during the cold winter months.
Curing Mental Illness and Eradicating Loneliness Through the Science of Safety
More than one in five adults in the United States are living with a mental illness (NIMH, 2022) and approximately half of U.S. adults report experiencing loneliness (HHS, 2023). Drawing from more than two decades of clinical practice and neuroscience research, Dr. David Rabin, MD, PhD, a psychiatrist and translational neuroscientist, addresses these issues in A Simple Guide to Being Alive (Merack Publishing, hardcover; June 16, 2026). The book examines why so many people feel overwhelmed, lonely
Nine mental-health tips for a happier 2026
Regardless of any resolutions you may have for 2026, one thing is for sure: Everyone wants to have a happy new year.While losing weight or saving money may be great goals, the most straightforward path to happiness is caring for your mental and emotional health. A robust body of research shows that simple cognitive and behavioral strategies can reliably boost happiness and reduce stress – and they’re generally free and accessible to all.These strategies don’t have to be super time-consuming, but they do require intention: They only work if you do them.Here, psychologist Valentina Ogaryan, PhD, clinical director of the Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology, shares her top tips for cultivating more calm, centeredness and happiness in the new year (or anytime):Make time for playPlay isn’t just for kids, and it’s far from frivolous. The National Institute for Play says engaging in silliness, fun and just-for-pleasure activities reduces stress and increases optimism and resilience. A recent review also found that play improves mental health.“Adults can benefit from play as much as children,” Dr. Ogaryan says, “not just as a reward, but something that helps regulate.”So go ahead and dance with your dog, build something with Legos, tell a joke, sing karaoke or do anything else that feels like fun. Don’t worry about being productive, just enjoy yourself. And, if you can, opt for more analog play, Dr. Ogaryan suggests, as a respite from our ever-more-digital world. Move your bodyWhether you dance, ski, do yoga, play pickleball, ride a bike, roller-skate, hike or lift weights, physical movement benefits overall happiness and well-being. A 2018 review study of more than 1.2 million adults in the U.S. found that doing any kind of exercise was “significantly and meaningfully associated” with better self-reported mental health.The sweet spot was 45 minutes of movement three to five times a week, but even short bursts of physical activity can boost brain health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.“Movement helps support mood and regulate the nervous system,” Dr. Ogaryan says.Plus: exercise can improve sleep quality, and sleep is essential for mental health.Prioritize sleep“Sleep plays a major role in managing stress,” Dr. Ogaryan says. Research shows that lack of sufficient sleep increases the risk of various diseases, including depression.While stress can interfere with sleep, practicing good sleep hygiene can make logging ZZ’s easier. That means maintaining a consistent bedtime; keeping the bedroom cool, dark and quiet; and avoiding social media, news and stimulating shows before bed.Consume lessWe live in a consumer culture, inundated by endless streams of content and advertising everywhere we go, which makes it easy to get overstimulated.“Something really helpful for stress reduction is to simply consume less,” Dr. Ogaryan says – less news, less social media, less information, less noise, less screen time. “It’s about reducing the input,” she says.Consider setting a maximum number of news articles per day, for example, or a time limit on scrolling. Maybe even go device free for an afternoon or a whole day.Practice present-moment awarenessWith so much coming at us all the time, focusing on the here and now can make life feel more manageable, Dr. Ogaryan says: “When everything feels super overwhelming, when everything feels larger than life, let’s make our world a little bit smaller for that moment in time.”She suggests taking things one day, or even one hour, at a time. Ask yourself: What’s my next right action? Release the need to know how everything turns out and liberate yourself from having to handle everything right now. Let the future take care of itself and just focus on the current moment. Then the next one. Have a daily anchorFrom work to the daily commute to family and life responsibilities, our days can feel jam-packed. Dr. Ogaryan recommends creating a centering daily anchor that can fit into even the busiest day.Maybe it’s a 10-minute walk during your lunch break or mindfully enjoying your coffee in the morning. Let your anchor adapt to your needs each day, she says, but be intentional about using that time to ground yourself and calm your nervous system. You might even say to yourself, “I choose this walk to help me become centered,” or “My day already feels stressful, so I’m going to take the next 10 minutes to enjoy this cup of coffee, feel the warm mug in my hand and just be present.” Having an anchor won’t erase the busy-ness from your day, but it will allow you to approach it more calmly.Be kind to yourselfMost of us have a harsh inner critic in our heads who works overtime. But that critical voice only increases our stress, triggering the same fight-or-flight response as caustic words from another person.To feel happier, we need to replace that inner critic with a kinder, more compassionate voice, Dr. Ogaryan says. Studies show that self-compassion is a source of eudaimonic happiness – the kind of happiness associated with purpose and meaning in life.While our knee-jerk reaction may be to self-criticize – “How could you let it get to this point? You didn’t manage your time well and now the project is going to be late. You’re so inept.” – we fare better mentally by treating ourselves with kindness, like we would a friend. That might sound like, “You’ve got a lot on your plate, but you are capable and you’ll get it done. I believe in you.”We may think that speaking kindly to ourselves means letting ourselves off the hook, so we end up becoming lazy do-nothings. But research shows the opposite: People who are self-compassionate are more likely to try harder in the face of failure and ultimately reach their goals.You can thank your inner critic for its good intentions, but resolve to talk to yourself in a kind, compassionate voice.Connect with othersHumans are social animals built for connection. Stress can be isolating and cause us to withdraw, but connecting with others is a salve for the psyche, Dr. Ogaryan says.“We know that not all relationships are always easy, but if we can think about intentional, nourishing connection – even in really small doses – it could really help center us,” she says.Take a moment to laugh with your colleagues, hug your pet, have a conversation with a friend or smile at the barista making your coffee. A study found that even tiny interactions with casual acquaintances and strangers decreases loneliness and improves happiness and well-being.Seek supportIf you try these practices and happiness remains elusive, or if you can’t access the wherewithal to follow these tips, seek support from your physician or a therapist. Mental health conditions are among the most common health issues in the U.S. and around the world – more prevalent than diabetes or heart disease. One in five people in the U.S. experiences a mental illness each year, with depression and anxiety the most common, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.“We can all think about these tips,” Dr. Ogaryan says. “But it’s important to recognize if you’ve done everything you can and you’re still really struggling, it’s really important to seek help.”
Loneliness, Isolation Can Strip Away Years Of Healthy Life, Large Study Finds
By Dennis Thompson HealthDay ReporterFRIDAY, Sept. 25, 2026 (HealthDay News) — Loneliness and social isolation can cost a person up to six years of healthy life, a new study says. Physical and mental health suffer when people feel lonely and become isolated, even if they largely stick to healthy ...
Your loneliness is big business for these startups
People are isolated and looking for community. These companies are happy to sell it.
Loneliness May Cost You Nearly 6 Healthy Years. Diet and Exercise May Not Reduce the Risk
A study of more than 277,000 adults found that loneliness and social isolation carry different health risks, requiring potentially different solutions.
Social Health and Digital Play: A Conversation, Not a Conclusion
Join us for a public webinar on Social Health and Digital Play: A Conversation, Not a Conclusion where we aim to share insights from WHO’s work on social connection; reflect on the current state of the evidence on how video gameplay may interact with social connection, isolation and loneliness, in the context of broader public health implications, including potential benefits and risks of digital play for physical, mental and social health; and identify questions, gaps, and ideas for future research and policy.
A place for moms: It’s a match
The 27-question survey focused on current experiences with making friends, community connections and loneliness. It also gauged interest and willingness to meet for one-on-one mom matching based on things like logistics, availability,…
Measles, landfill solar and a bridge over the Sound: CT Politics news
Plus: CSCU’s investigation, rural healthcare, utility profits, brownfields funding, and Chris Murphy's loneliness legislation.
The Gin Game coming to the Monument Arts & Cultural Center
BENNINGTON — The Monument Arts & Cultural Center (MACC) has announced its upcoming production of The Gin Game, a compelling and often humorous play that explores loneliness, pride, resentment and
Joint statement – WHO/Europe and CCEE to collaborate on addressing health inequities and loneliness
WHO/Europe and the Council of Bishops’ Conferences of Europe (CCEE) officially signed a Letter of Intent on 23 June to establish a strategic partnership for promoting pan-European dialogue to reduce inequities, enabling every child and adult to live in health, safety and dignity.
No, AI isn’t going to fix the loneliness epidemic — it may make it worse
Stories abound of people falling in love or developing friendship with a chatbot. But that doesn’t actually solve the loneliness problem.
Darby Fox warns of smartphone, AI dangers to youth mental health
Child and adolescent family therapist Darby Fox warns of youth mental health risks linked to early smartphone ownership and AI companionship. Fox explains studies connecting technology to higher eating disorder risks and loneliness.
Adolescent social health may foretell loneliness and aggressive behavior
Teens who are lonely and those who experience conflict in their home life are more likely to act aggressively toward peers or become victims themselves. These are some of the findings in a new University ...
Mental health survey finds Yampa Valley residents struggle with loneliness, substance use disorders
The Steamboat Springs City Council heard a sobering assessment of behavioral health in the Yampa Valley on Tuesday: Despite strong awareness of local resources and a reputation for community support, many residents still face loneliness,...
Silverman Commentary: Positive Youth Mental Health Begins with Belonging
By Tami Silverman President & CEO of Indiana Youth Institute May 22, 2026 For years, conversations about youth mental health understandably have focused on crises. Rates of rising anxiety, depression, loneliness, and stress among young people have captured national attention. Families, schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations across Indiana continue working hard to respond to
"Are you dead?" app sparks loneliness discussion in China
An app asking "Are you dead?" has gone viral in China, sparking debate about loneliness and the risks of living alone.
A look at loneliness and teen mental health
Designing a systemic intervention for student loneliness and social connectedness using a mixed-methods, co-creation approach
npj Mental Health Research - Designing a systemic intervention for student loneliness and social connectedness using a mixed-methods, co-creation approach
Karaoke for one: China’s $1 trillion ‘loneliness economy’ gives a glimpse of the world’s future
A growing cohort is fast reshaping the profile of the Asian consumer: the single, childless or otherwise alone.
Hasan Piker isn't worried about being a political boogeyman this midterms season
President Donald Trump recently called Hasan Piker a “terrible liability” and a “communist.”The California-based streamer — who describes himself as a socialist — has become the GOP’s political bogeyman ahead of the midterm elections. Piker argues those attacks will backfire, but also says he has played a role in being portrayed as a 'figurehead of the insurgent left.'“The way that I'm portrayed in the media is an America-hating communist Islamist fundamentalist who wants to secretly do jihad, and then also, at the same time, very woke and gay, so there's this weird inconsistency in their messaging,” Piker says. “Who I am is very simple. I'm a socialist. I'm an anti-imperialist. I want what's best for Americans, and I want what's best for everyone from all around the world.”In this episode from NPR’s Newsmakers, Piker sits down with host Leila Fadel and argues Republicans are using him to distract from policies that made life less affordable. He also addresses his seven Twitch bans, defends his rhetoric against right-wing reactionaries, and reflects on the crisis of loneliness among young men — and the limits of his influence.“At the end of the day, I'm a Twitch streamer,” Piker says. “I hold no political office. I have no real political power. So getting people to be upset at a Twitch streamer and their affiliation as a, if you want to call it a surrogate, in the primary is going to be very difficult.”Newsmakers is where you'll find NPR's biggest interviews. We post new episodes as soon as they're available -- any day of the week. Follow or subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you watch or listen to podcasts to get new episodes as soon as possible. You can also find Newsmakers on the NPR app. Newsmakers relies on supporters who value independent journalism and a free press. Join NPR+ today to support our work and get perks from the podcasts you trust. Go to plus.npr.org.
Psychology says nostalgia is good for you mental health — especially for older people feeling the loneliness of retirement
The nostalgia is proof that the part of you that made your life good is still running.
Why U.S. middle-aged adults report more loneliness and poorer health than peers abroad
Americans born in the 1960s and early 1970s report higher loneliness and depressive symptoms and show poorer memory and physical strength than earlier generations. Such declines are largely absent in ...
Laying the Foundations for an Americas Mental Health Policy Innovation Hub | Johns Hopkins Center for Global Mental Health
The project “Laying the Foundations for an Americas Mental Health Policy Innovation Hub,” led by Dr. María Cecilia Dedios and colleagues at the Johns Hopkins Center for Global Mental Health, aims to establish a regional platform that connects academics, policymakers, and civil society to advance collaborative mental health policymaking across the Americas. The initiative focuses on strengthening intersectoral approaches to population mental health and embedding meaningful community participation and lived experience into policy processes. Through a pilot consensus-building effort with decision-makers in Bogotá, Colombia, the project has begun testing methods for cross-sector collaboration to address shared priorities such as loneliness and underage substance use. Ultimately, the Hub seeks to foster regional learning and develop more participatory, coordinated, and socially responsive mental health policies.
Loneliness may be silently eroding your memory, new research reveals
New research suggests loneliness affects older adults' baseline memory performance but may not directly accelerate cognitive decline over time.
Georgia girls excel in school but face loneliness, mental health struggles
Businesses are turning into a private club: beaches, restaurants, gyms
In an age of heightened loneliness and uncertainty, private clubs are selling camaraderie and controlled environments — if you can afford it.
Loneliness Is A Health Crisis, But Doctors Alone Can't Cure It, Analysis Argues
By Dennis Thompson HealthDay ReporterTUESDAY, Aug. 18, 2026 (HealthDay News) — Loneliness is contributing to illness, but it’s a fool’s errand to expect doctors alone to cure this particular ailment, a new study says. Social isolation — whether it be from loss, health problems or other factors that ...
Video Ways to improve your mental health in 2026
Mental health expert Kurt Schmidt discusses ways to combat loneliness during the holidays and beyond.
Loneliness may damage health in ways isolation does not: New study
You can spend every day surrounded by other people and still feel lonely. You can also spend long periods alone without finding the experience distressing.
Mental health program brings concert, connection to IU Bloomington
Future Friends aims to address the loneliness epidemic on college campuses.