Loneliness

Monotone photo of man waiting on subway platform with blurry train passing by and other passengers walking by

How Can Urban Planning Address the ‘Loneliness Epidemic’?

The U.S. Surgeon General is sounding the alarm about the health effects of isolation. Planners have a role to play in rebuilding our “social infrastructure.”

May 14, 2023 - Angie Schmitt

View from back of young man sitting on concrete bench overlooking blurred city at sunrise or sunset

New Report on Loneliness and Isolation

A new advisory from the Surgeon General declares that there is an epidemic of loneliness in the United States and that lacking connection can increase the risk for premature death to levels comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

May 8, 2023 - National Public Radio

Freeway traffic at dusk in downtown Los Angeles, California

Lonely by Design: How Urban Planning Can Intensify Social Isolation

Walkable neighborhoods, access to parks, and opportunities for social interaction can help reduce the burden of loneliness and promote community. But many of our cities aren’t built this way.

January 30, 2023 - Streetsblog USA

Elderly Walking

Improving Cities for Older Residents

Demographic change means older city dwellers. Entrepreneurs and developers are searching for better ways to serve this community.

January 4, 2017 - The Guardian

Connections, Community, and the Science of Loneliness

Can urban form help address the loneliness that so often accompanies aging? In a new blog post, Hazel Borys examines some remedies for severed connections.

February 12, 2013 - PlaceShakers

Isolation and Dissatisfaction in the Suburbs

A new study looking at neighborhood satisfaction finds that people living in the suburbs are less satisfied than urban dwellers.

May 13, 2011 - Men's Health

Project Manager III

San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency

UDO Transportation Planner

City of Charlotte - Charlotte Area Transit

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