Public policy and the reduction and prevention of loneliness and social isolation

Public policy has a role to play in preventing and reducing loneliness and social isolation at the individual level, in part by advocating for and funding community and local intervention efforts. Policies to support the systematic collection of data will help build an evidence base for the impact of interventions not only on loneliness and social isolation but also on downstream health outcomes. At the population level, primary prevention strategies that foster solidarity among citizens have the potential to improve the health of society through equity, inclusion, and belonging – pathways to reduced loneliness and social isolation.