I’m convinced we are living in an age of rampant loneliness. It’s reached endemic levels. I see more patients coming to appointments alone than I ever have in my career. When I ask who will be with them during surgery, or whom I should call afterward to confirm they are okay, they often answer “No one.” I see it in the gym, too. Back in college, we would all socialize and talk between lifting weights. Now everyone wears earphones and walks around like a zombie. Loneliness is a leading public health problem.
