Surgeon General’s Loneliness Epidemic Deepens During Holidays, But Solutions Lie Beyond Medicine
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In 2024, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued a landmark advisory declaring loneliness a public health epidemic, a warning that has only grown more urgent as the holiday season intensifies feelings of isolation across the nation. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that social isolation is as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, increasing the risk of premature death by nearly 30%. Yet, despite these stark statistics, the country has made little headway in addressing the root causes of this growing crisis.
Dr. Arnold Gilberg, a psychiatrist with over five decades of clinical experience, describes the surge in loneliness as more than just a personal affliction; it is a looming public health emergency. “This holiday season, my phone won’t stop ringing,” Gilberg said. “Patients are desperate for appointments—not because of clinical depression or anxiety, but because they are profoundly alone.”
A recent survey by AARP found that 40% of adults aged 45 and older report feeling lonely, a five-point increase from just a few years prior. The holidays, often portrayed as a time of joy and togetherness, paradoxically amplify the pain of isolation for millions.
The consequences extend far beyond emotional suffering. Loneliness drives up healthcare costs, reduces workforce productivity, and strains an already overburdened mental health system. When individuals lack social connection, they tend to fall ill more frequently, recover more slowly, and face higher mortality rates. These outcomes translate into increased spending by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers, underscoring how a fundamentally social problem is masquerading as a medical one.
Despite the growing recognition of loneliness as a public health threat, Dr. Gilberg argues that the most effective remedy is not found in a prescription bottle or a clinical intervention. “The most cost-effective intervention for many patients isn’t another medication or procedure—it’s human connection,” he said. “And that’s something no government program can prescribe.”
Gilberg advocates for simple, actionable steps that individuals and communities can take to address loneliness. “Pick up the phone and actually call someone,” he advised. “Don’t wait for them to reach out. Ask how they’re doing. If it goes well, make plans. Commit to two calls a day. It sounds simple because it is.”
He also encourages people to help those who are worse off by volunteering at shelters or joining community drives. These activities not only provide meaningful social interaction but also foster a sense of shared purpose. Faith communities, too, play a vital role in combating isolation. Churches, synagogues, mosques, and other places of worship have long been sanctuaries for communal gathering, especially during the holidays.
Research supports the psychological benefits of such engagement. Practicing gratitude, for example, can counteract the negative focus on what is missing in one’s life. Writing down what one is thankful for has been shown to improve mental health and resilience. Additionally, physical activity, such as regular exercise, helps improve mood and reduce feelings of loneliness.
The Surgeon General’s advisory and experts like Dr. Gilberg underscore the need for a societal shift in how loneliness is addressed. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has highlighted mental health as a priority, but tackling loneliness requires more than clinical solutions—it demands a cultural embrace of connection and community.
As the nation moves forward, policymakers and citizens alike must recognize that the antidote to loneliness is not found in the latest drug or therapy, but in the simple, human acts of reaching out, showing up, and caring for one another. In a time when technology often substitutes for face-to-face interaction, the power of genuine human contact remains unmatched in promoting health and well-being.
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