ArcaMax

Around 50% of Americans are trying to eat a healthier diet (I hope it hits 100% one day!). Almost that many meet the guidelines for aerobic activity. But those folks may not get the benefits that healthy nutrition and exercise can bestow if they're feeling isolated and lonely.

Isolation (a lack of contact and interaction with others) and loneliness (a gap between desired and actual connection that can happen even if you're surrounded by people) affect about 16% of U.S. adults. It's most intense for folks ages 18 to 44. Almost 30% of them contend with those emotions all or most of the time. That takes a toll.

A study in Nature Communications found that women with both loneliness and isolation live 2.4 fewer years free of physical health problems and 3.7 fewer years free of mental health issues. For men, it's 1.7 fewer disease-free years and 5.8 fewer years free from emotional problems. Clearly having a posse is key to living a younger, happier, longer life -- but how do you create one?

Frequent places that allow for interaction -- a coffee shop, local charity, or community garden. At a ball game, introduce yourself to folks sitting next to you. Be open and curious. Then be willing to share your thoughts and feelings -- and to ask for help. That allows the other person to do the same and, bingo, you've got a connection. Also, join my online community with the free "Longevity is Here" newsletter. Go to LifeSpan-Edge.com, scroll down on the home page to subscribe.

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.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at drmikerealage@gmail.com.

(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.