Social isolation and loneliness have even been estimated to shorten a person’s life span by as many as 15 years. People who are socially isolated or lonely (SI/L) are more likely to be admitted to nursing homes and the emergency room. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, people who are SI/L may get too little exercise and often don’t sleep well, which can increase the risk of stroke (by 32%), heart disease (by 29%), mental health disorders (by 26%) and premature mortality (by 26%), as well as other serious conditions.⁠ ⁠ The University of California, San Francisco, found that being alone most of the time may contribute to a decline in the ability to perform everyday tasks. Fifty-nine percent were more likely to find daily tasks such as climbing stairs or walking more difficult.⁠ ⁠ _____⁠ ⁠ Social isolation and loneliness may also be bad for brain health and have been linked to poorer cognitive function and a higher risk for dementia (by 50%), including and esp...