The Loneliness Epidemic

Despite being more connected than ever, many people report feeling deeply lonely.

尽管人们的联系比以往任何时候都更紧密，许多人却表示感到深深的孤独。

Health experts now regard chronic loneliness as a serious public health concern.

健康专家现在把长期孤独视为一个严重的公共卫生问题。

It has been linked to heart disease, depression, and a weakened immune system.

它与心脏病、抑郁症和免疫系统减弱有关。

Some researchers argue that its effects are as harmful as obesity or lack of exercise.

一些研究人员认为，它的危害与肥胖或缺乏运动不相上下。

Being alone, however, is not the same as feeling lonely.

然而，独处并不等于感到孤独。

Loneliness arises when our relationships fall short of what we need.

当我们的人际关系达不到我们的需求时，孤独就会产生。

Older adults and young people appear to be particularly vulnerable.

老年人和年轻人似乎特别容易受到影响。

Community projects that bring different generations together have shown promising results.

将不同世代的人聚在一起的社区项目已经显示出可喜的成果。

Even brief, friendly conversations with strangers can noticeably improve our mood.

即使是与陌生人进行的简短而友好的交谈，也能明显改善我们的心情。