Laura Putnam | An epidemic of loneliness is shortening lives

Loneliness kills. Just like cigarettes. Social isolation is such a problem that it is shortening lives and US health officials have declared it to be an epidemic. Earlier this month, the US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy said: "It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. We're publishing this interview on Memorial Day in the US - a public holiday which for many people is a day of socialization, fami...