Nowadays, we are more connected to people than at any other time in history, thanks to technology. And yet many Americans report feeling lonelier and more isolated than ever before. Social isolation and loneliness have been shown to pose a growing threat to health, having the same impact on mortality as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Heart disease, a weakened immune system, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues are just some of the negative effects social isolation can have on us. For older Americans, the consequences of social isolation could be even worse. In Brooklyn, New York, the public library wants to help.July 11, 2019
