Loneliness is emerging as a serious wellness issue and now science is revealing the possible physical effects. Back in May, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy declared that the “epidemic of loneliness and isolation has been an underappreciated public health crisis.” Now scientists have discovered an odd connection between our brain and the number of close connections we have. The research finds that the number and frequency of social contacts in healthy older adults is linked to brain volume. That means the less you connect with people, the smaller the volume of your brain. So we can actually shrink our brains by not being social! So get out there and hang out with those you love!