http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/loneliness-can-be-toxic/?wt.mc=SA_App-Share
Evidence from numerous studies in fields as diverse as epidemiology and psychology has begun to link loneliness to a vulnerability to a host of psychological and physical ills, ranging from depression and cognitive decline to cardiovascular problems.
Research into loneliness has focused on the young, the old and those of any age with a negative self-outlook. Children may often experience it because of inadequate social skills. The elderly may be lonely because of a loss of loved ones.
Interventions to allay gnawing feelings of solitude have succeeded when they diminish negative thoughts for all age groups. For the elderly, mindfulness meditation, learning how to Skype and even proximity to a robot pet have also helped.
