As said in the article , In the US, general surgeon

Dr Vivek Murthy last week said half of the adult Americans have been affected by loneliness which, he said, is as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Loneliness is rarely mentioned in India, though it is recognised as a public health problem in many developed countries.

India said loneliness is a big factor among the elderly. An annual survey by the NGO found 86% of the elderly respondents from Mumbai in 2022 said they lived with families but 75% of them complained of feeling isolated and neglected. Loneliness is not overtly mentioned but, as prakash Borgaonkar said, it is only picked up after the person starts showing signs of depression.

The rapid phase of life has increased the problem of loneliness. Across age groups, people are spending less time with each other in person than two decades ago

Causes of loneliness in elderly :

• Getting older or weaker 
• No longer being the hub of their family 
• leaving the workplace
• The deaths of spouses and friends
•  Through disability or illness.
• Mental health 
• Heart and Neuro logical problems Such as Alzheimer’s.

It's important to remember loneliness can and does  affect anyone, of any age.

Here are ways for older people to connect with others, and feel useful and appreciated again.

• Smile even if it feel hard 
• Invite friends for tea
• Keep in touch by phone
• Learn to love computers
• Get involved in local community activities.