Around 40% of Americans ages 45 and up report being lonely. That puts them at higher risk for all kinds of serious health concerns like dementia and stroke. Some public health researchers are turning to a new kind of prescription to address the problem. It's called “social prescribing.” 

Dr. Mary Henningfield is the executive director of the Wisconsin Research and Education Network at the University of Wisconsin. She joined the show to discuss why is loneliness so common, why it is difficult for people to overcome, and how "social prescribing" can help the healthcare can system address loneliness, instead of only its negative consequences.