Did you know that nearly 1 in 4 older U.S. adults are socially isolated?

Not only does social isolation take a psychological toll, researchers are discovering that lack of connection effects our physical health as well. People who are socially isolated lonely have a 29% increased risk of premature death, according to a recent large systematic review.

There are two ways we become socially isolated. The first is short term and due to circumstances that are not expected to last. Many people have become socially isolated during shelter-in-place, for example. The second pathway whereby we become isolated is referred to as the "loneliness regulatory loop." Basically we over-estimate the chance of being rejected, so we avoid trying to connect with others.

The effect of social isolation on physical health is thought to be due to weakened self-control. It's hard to stick to a diet, or exercise, or do other activities for your health that require willpower, when you are preoccupied with the threat of rejection and the feelings of isolation. Lack of connection is also thought to effect health by diminishing sleep quality, and by stimulating the fight-or-flight stress response.

In this course, Dr. Nicholas Cohen, MD, a primary care physician in San Francisco, provides a comprehensive plan to help you overcome social isolation. You'll learn about the causes of isolation, and he'll share with you effective strategies that have worked for thousands of his patients.

The course begins with the definition and prevalence of social isolation. Next, Dr. Cohen shows the evidence for the health impact of lack of connection, how being isolated chronically shortens lifespan. In the next section, he'll describe the main factors that lead to social isolation. This will be followed by an overview of the impact of social isolation on health. Dr. Cohen will then share with you tips for overcoming isolation. These are tips he follows himself to maintain his own psychological health. These recommendations promote health, and are a comprehensive strategy to living healthier, not just being connected in the short term. Finally, Dr. Cohen will answer some frequently asked questions, and conclude with a summary of the information covered.