Pharmacists Play Key Role in Improving Loneliness

Because they often work as health coaches, community educators, and system-level innovators, pharmacists are well-equipped to play a key role in addressing social health outcomes like loneliness and social isolation, according to data published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine.¹

“Social isolation and loneliness are a public health crisis—nearly half of US adults report feeling lonely, yet most don’t recognize it as a serious issue—impacting people across communities and generations,” wrote authors of the study. “The impact on physical and mental health is overwhelming.”

The most notable event that led to mass social isolation in recent history was the COVID-19 pandemic. The health impacts were quickly realized as US death rates reached 1 million in less than 2 and a half years following the first COVID-related death in the US.^2-3 However, as further research on the pandemic’s societal impact is conducted, health care experts are gradually understanding the mental and physical impacts of COVID-19 shutdowns.

With the pandemic and nationwide shutdowns now in the past, Americans are still reporting significant levels of loneliness. | image credit: Dibidus / stock.adobe.com

READ MORE: Pharmacists Welcome Mental Health Interventions for Long-Term Condition Patients

In an International Psychogeriatrics study published during COVID shutdowns, researchers claimed that the pandemic’s impacts touched all aspects of normal societal functioning. Furthermore, while not quantifying the potential risks, they stated how loneliness and isolation stemming from COVID-19 shutdowns could be detrimental to both mental and physical health.⁴

“Social isolation and loneliness are a growing public health issue, with nearly half of US adults reporting loneliness, affecting health as much as smoking, diabetes, and obesity,” they continued.¹ “Despite its prevalence, less than 20% of those affected with loneliness or social isolation see it as a major problem.”

With the pandemic and nationwide shutdowns now in the past, Americans are still reporting significant levels of loneliness and mental health complications, with at least 33% of all US adults reporting feelings of loneliness.⁵

As experts continue to research mental and physical health outcomes, as well as the health care providers best fit to administer interventions, authors of the current study sought to provide a deeper understanding of the best ways to combat loneliness and social isolation.

“This paper is a glimpse into this problem and provides an overview of how to approach conversations as a health care professional, highlighting the role of a pharmacist,” the authors wrote.¹

In this research paper, the authors delved into several aspects of social health outcomes, including the perceived challenges, evidence of social outcomes and their impact on overall health, social prescribing, and scales that assess loneliness. With these factors providing more evidence on the mechanisms and impacts of social health, they also provided insights into the pharmacist’s role in maintaining appropriate outcomes for patients.

As previously mentioned, loneliness is a significantly prominent issue that a majority of individuals do not deem serious. Researchers gathered findings that show isolation can lead to a 29% increased risk of premature death as well as heightened risks of heart disease, stroke, anxiety, depression, and dementia. Social isolation has even been known to impact workplace absenteeism, resulting in up to $154 billion in costs.

“Pharmacists play an important role in helping themselves and patients understand this pillar, evaluate loneliness and social connection, [and] access community resources that support their health,” they continued.¹ “In addition to managing medications, they ensure that prescriptions do not interfere with participation in activities that promote well-being, such as social groups or physical exercise. As trusted health care providers, pharmacists often have these personal relationships with their patients.”

With the leading factors of social health outcomes related to community engagement and social well-being, pharmacists are uniquely positioned to manage patients and improve their feelings of isolation. From their trusted positioning in thousands of communities across the country to their educational and patient-connection skills, pharmacists outshine many other providers in social health aspects.

Pharmacists can use established approaches to address patients’ loneliness, like using the UCLA Loneliness Scale, but they can also prescribe social activities and use innovative ways to boost their patients’ social connection. With pharmacists’ abilities as health coaches, community educators, and system-level innovators, they will continue to exhibit their prowess in improving social health for their community members that need it.

“With this insight, they are able to have conversations about the connection between social health and overall well-being. Pharmacists can then provide recommendations and referrals to appropriate resources, such as support networks, social activities, or wellness programs, helping patients make the link between social connection and improved health outcomes,” the authors concluded.¹ “This expanded role also aligns with lifestyle medicine principles, where the focus shifts from disease treatment to wellness promotion. In this framework, pharmacists act as health coaches, community educators, and system-level innovators.”

READ MORE: Mental and Behavioral Health Resource Center

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References

1. Srivastava SB. From social isolation to connection: a prescription for health and wellness. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2025 Aug 1:15598276251361459. doi: 10.1177/15598276251361459.

2. CDC museum COVID-19 timeline. CDC. July 8, 2024. Accessed August 8, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/museum/timeline/covid19.html

3. Johnson CK. US deaths from COVID hit 1 million, less than 2 1/2 years in. AP News. May 16, 2022. Accessed August 8, 2025. https://apnews.com/article/us-covid-death-toll-one-million-7cefbd8c3185fd970fd073386e442317

4. Hwang TJ, Rabheru K, Peisah C, et al. Loneliness and social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Int Psychogeriatr. 2020 Oct;32(10):1217-1220. doi: 10.1017/S1041610220000988.

5. New APA poll: one in three Americans feels lonely every week. News Release. American Psychiatric Association. January 30, 2024. Accessed August 8, 2025. https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/news-releases/new-apa-poll-one-in-three-americans-feels-lonely-e