A recent scientific report elevates social isolation and loneliness to the level of health problems, associating them with a significantly increased risk for early death from all causes. Of course, social isolation and loneliness can become more common with age. And the arrival of the novel coronavirus will almost certainly make the problem worse.

Public officials are asking that we all socially distance ourselves to prevent COVID-19's spread. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that those age 60 and older avoid crowds, and that those in a community with an outbreak stay home as much as possible.