Screening for loneliness and social isolation in clinical practice

The United States is currently amidst an epidemic of social isolation and loneliness (SIL). Despite the high prevalence of SIL and the known severe health risks, health care settings, clinical practices, and clinicians have been slow to respond. This article demonstrates SIL as medical issues, with a particular emphasis on older adults, and discusses practical screening tools and other considerations to guide the integration of SIL screening and assessment in clinical practice.