While we often worry about saving enough for retirement, the cost of loneliness is rising as an equal threat to a happy, healthy retirement. But there are steps you can take now to build your social capital.
Loneliness and social isolation are a serious health epidemic, according to the U.S. Surgeon General. And older adults can be at increased risk due to their greater likelihood of living alone, losing friends or family, or dealing with illness.
The numbers are alarming; more than one-third of older adults experience feelings of loneliness at least once a week, according to the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging. It’s tempting to attribute this rise to recent events like social media or the pandemic, but the truth is that loneliness has been on an upward trajectory for the past two decades.