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More than a third of Americans report they're socially isolated or lonely and 10% say they rarely feel there's anyone they can turn to for emotional and social support. Not only does that fuel depression and lack of physical activity (major health risks), but it also contributes to heart disease and stroke, Type 2 diabetes, memory loss, dementia, and self-harm, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In fact, loneliness and chronic disease are more intertwined than we knew, according to a new study. Not only does isolation make you more vulnerable to a range of maladies, but if you're chronically ill, it fuels loneliness -- and the combination makes it more likely you won't take care of your diagnosed condition very well.

A survey of 2,000 Americans contending with at least one chronic illness (nationally there are 129 million of those folks) found that being diagnosed deepened their sense of loneliness. And that made it up to 70% harder to take their medications and less likely that they'd interact with their health care providers in a timely fashion.

How can you overcome loneliness and improve the way you manage your chronic condition?

-- By frequently contacting friends and family on the phone, online and through correspondence.

-- Volunteering with an organization that offers support to folks with the condition you have.

-- Helping others and joining support groups (online and in person) so you gain support from others, too.

-- You can also get support for your journey through "social prescribing" by your doc and with my free newsletter at LongevityPlaybook.com.

Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.longevityplaybook.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@longevityplaybook.com.

(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.