Only the Lonely

<p>An alarming number of Americans are lonely. Recent estimates range from <a href='https://www.kff.org/report-section/loneliness-and-social-isolation-in-the-united-states-the-united-kingdom-and-japan-an-international-survey-introduction/'>22 percent</a> to as high as <a href='https://www.cigna.com/about-us/newsroom/news-and-views/press-releases/2020/cigna-takes-action-to-combat-the-rise-of-loneliness-and-improve-mental-wellness-in-america'>61 percent</a>, and that was before the COVID-19 pandemic made &quot;social distancing&quot; a household term. According to <a href='https://www.norc.org/Experts/Pages/louise-hawkley.aspx'>Louise Hawkley, PhD</a>, an expert on loneliness and social isolation, the loneliness &quot;epidemic&quot; has serious consequences for our health as individuals and as a society. On <em>Road to Resilience, </em>Dr. Hawkley explains what happens when our hardwired social &quot;hunger&quot; isn&apos;t satisfied, and how loneliness can become a vicious cycle. Plus, she weighs in on the role of social media and offers advice on breaking pandemic-related social isolation.<br/><br/>Dr. Hawkley is a Senior Research Scientist at NORC at the University of Chicago.<br/><br/>For photos, links, and transcripts of all our episodes, visit <a href='https://www.mountsinai.org/rtr'>https://www.mountsinai.org/rtr</a><br/><br/>Road to Resilience is a podcast that brings you stories and insights to help you thrive in a challenging world. From fighting burnout and trauma, to building resilient families and communities, we explore what’s possible when science meets the human spirit. Powered by the Mount Sinai Health System.<br/><br/>Listen and subscribe to Road to Resilience on:<br/>Apple Podcasts <a href='https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGZXMkpYVjFiODVlcU9OR1E5VmRWdXlKdmVyZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttYUNOR0ktd0lSMVJ2ZDVXNWtiMFVLWGJGQ3FaZXU3Rm80aUVZMnVzbWFPbnkzQWwyYXc0V09VU1FXclpwSVUyYjhZQkJZV0FSa00ySGF1bkIwd3hqQVRGNEdqMF82cEd0MmNaYmVIVUN1SjJMSUgxYw&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fapple.co%2F