Loneliness and social isolation are growing public health concerns among older Americans. Loneliness is not only detrimental to mental health, but also contributes to physical  health risks including strokes, worsened diabetes and frailty.

We spoke with Dr. Carla Perissinotto about the causes of loneliness for older adults, what we get wrong about it, and what interventions can address the crisis of loneliness. We also hear from Wanda Dobson, a 69-year old woman in New York City and employee with the Brooklyn Public Library's Services for Older Adults program, on her own experience with loss, loneliness and healing.