Combating the Loneliness Epidemic: How Social Connection Can Save Lives
Wed Nov 05 2025
Loneliness has been called more dangerous than smoking 15 cigarettes daily—a stark warning from the former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. Social isolation is a hidden health crisis affecting millions, especially older adults.
In this episode of Turning Points, Frantzces talks with Roxy Rocker, a Disability rights advocate, founder of Embracing Disability, who reveals how chronic illness and disability can intensify loneliness and offers practical strategies for overcoming barriers to social connection. Frantzces is also joined by Dr. James Lubben, Professor Emeritus at Boston College and UCLA, to learn more about groundbreaking findings from his decades-long research on social isolation among older adults. They discuss evidence-based interventions for combating elderly loneliness, and policy solutions for strengthening social support systems.
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Visit globe.com/turningpoints for more information on mental health care and resources.
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Loneliness has been called more dangerous than smoking 15 cigarettes daily—a stark warning from the former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. Social isolation is a hidden health crisis affecting millions, especially older adults. In this episode of Turning Points, Frantzces talks with Roxy Rocker, a Disability rights advocate, founder of Embracing Disability, who reveals how chronic illness and disability can intensify loneliness and offers practical strategies for overcoming barriers to social connection. Frantzces is also joined by Dr. James Lubben, Professor Emeritus at Boston College and UCLA, to learn more about groundbreaking findings from his decades-long research on social isolation among older adults. They discuss evidence-based interventions for combating elderly loneliness, and policy solutions for strengthening social support systems. Follow the Turning Points podcast on your favorite podcasting app so you never miss an episode. Leave the podcast a rating, review or tell a friend about the show. Visit globe.com/turningpoints for more information on mental health care and resources. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.