In the midst of a global pandemic, another hidden and serious public health crisis has emerged: loneliness. Loneliness affects people of all ages, but it is particularly prevalent among older adults, and it has real health risks. A recent study from the National Academy of Sciences found that social isolation has been associated with a significantly increased risk of premature mortality, including a 50 percent increased risk of developing dementia. Loneliness may impair executive control and self-regulation, including with respect to greater smoking and alcohol consumption. During this webinar, we'll hear from leading experts on how COVID-19 is exacerbating the loneliness epidemic and the healing power of human connection.