Across many parts of the world, loneliness has become more than a feeling—it’s now a recognized public health concern. The aching sense of isolation or disconnection, especially when prolonged, can take a toll on your physical and mental well-being. Recent studies have found loneliness linked to major health problems, including depression, heart disease, dementia, and even early death. Over the last few years, governments in places like the United Kingdom and Japan have responded by creating high-level roles—“ministers of loneliness”—to tackle the growing crisis. These efforts were prompted by data showing that people who regularly feel lonely are more likely to die earlier and suffer more health problems over time. But while these policies often focus on older adults, new international research suggests they may be missing another vulnerable group: middle-aged adults. In some countries, including the United States, people in their 40s, 50s, and early 60s are actually lonelier than those in their 70s and 80s. Unadjusted association between loneliness and age, by country. (CREDIT: Aging and Mental Health) Rethinking Loneliness as You Age …