Loneliness is linked to an estimated 100 deaths every hour. In fact, nearly one in six people around the world experiences loneliness, according to the recent World Health Organization (WHO) report, From Loneliness To Social Connection: Charting A Path To Healthier Societies.

What is the connection? Loneliness contributes to increased risks of disease, early death, and poorer mental health. Loneliness is associated with a 14% higher risk of type 2 diabetes, a 29% increase in the risk of incident coronary heart disease, and a 32% increase in the risk of stroke. Loneliness can increase the risk of dementia by 25 to 50% and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by 72%. And loneliness speeds the onset and increases the severity of mental…