There is a rich literature documenting the impact of social connectedness on health (Ottman, et. al., 2006). People with strong social relationships are less likely to be depressed, less likely to experience severe cognitive decline as they age, and less susceptible to infectious diseases. The health risks of social isolation are comparable to the health risks of smoking, high blood pressure and obesity. Those who are socially isolated have two to three times the risk of poor health compared to those who are most connected to others (RWJF, 2003).