Ways to Stay #Connected

• Loneliness has the same impact on mortality as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, making it even more dangerous than obesity. One reason that’s bad news for older Americans: More research has linked social isolation to a higher chance of having Alzheimer’s disease, which now strikes more than 5.7 million Americans -- a figure projected to triple by 2050.

• Douglas Nemecek, MD, chief medical officer for behavioral health, Cigna Greater social connection is associated with 50% lower odds of early death.

• Tools to help you keep in touch

• . WhatsApp: Available across devices and around the world, WhatsApp is a great way to message, call or video chat with basically anyone. And with encryption services built into the platform, you can be sure your communication stays private. However, while making voice or video calls, keep in mind that WhatsApp relies on your cell data if you're not connected to Wi-Fi. In addition, you can't call landline numbers with WhatsApp. Download WhatsApp for iOS or Android, or use it on your computer.

• Skype: After creating an account, Skype allows you to send messages, pictures and videos to other Skype accounts. You can also make phone calls to non-Skype contacts, including landline numbers — however, this functionality comes with a fee. Download Skype for iOS or Android, or use it on your computer.

• Zoom: Previously used solely as a business conferencing tool, Zoom has emerged as a popular video chat hangout option. Keep in mind, however, that there are privacy concerns with Zoom calls, as well as a 40-minute time limit if you have a free account. Download Zoom for iOS or Android, or use it on your computer.

• Google Hangouts: Most people have a Gmail account these days, and anyone who does can start and join a Google Hangouts video call. The advantage of Google Hangouts is that there's no time limit to your video chat. The downside, however, is that only 10 participants are allowed in the video chat room. Download Google Hangouts for iOS or Android, or use it on your computer.

 Here are some devices you can buy to help your loved ones feel nearby:

• Alexa devices: The Echo Show is Amazon's smart display that allows you to do a lot of things around your home — including having a hands-free video call with other Echo Show owners, or anyone who has the Alexa app on their smartphone. The Echo Show can also cycle through your favorite photos — helping you feel close to your loved ones throughout the day. In addition, all Echo devices can be used for an Alexa Drop In, which is a voice call option that operates similar to walkie-talkies, but between Echo devices in different homes.

• Facebook Portal: As Facebook's very own smart display, Facebook Portal can be used to video chat with your Facebook friends via Facebook Messenger. While concerns of letting Facebook even deeper into our lives surfaced when Facebook Portal was first released, it's now considered one of the easiest smart displays to use for video chatting. And, with the option to wear virtual masks and set goofy backgrounds, Facebook Portal can be fun for the whole family. Since Facebook owns WhatsApp, you can also use your Facebook Portal to make and take WhatsApp video calls.

• Netflix Party: By synchronizing playback and offering a group chat feature, Netflix Party is a free Google Chrome extension that makes watching movies and TV with your friends easy and fun again. Keep in mind you can only use Netflix Party in Chrome browsers on desktops and laptops. If you have a Chromecast device, you may be able to cast your screen to your TV.

• Steam: With more than 30,000 video games, 90 million active users and social features like friends lists and in-game message and voice chat capabilities, Steam is one of the best online gaming services. With no subscription fee and online multiplayer games ranging from as little as $5 to more than $60, it's a great option for friends who want to play a game together — no matter your budget. Steam also offers Remote Play Together, which allows you to share a game you're playing at home with up to four friends remotely. This feature streams video, audio and voice between players, making it even easier to hop on and play

• Collaborative Spotify playlists: Connecting with friends can also be as simple as enjoying music together. If that sounds like you, Spotify allows you to create a playlist together. Through a collaborative playlist, you and your friends can add and listen to all of your favorite songs anytime, anywhere. , those with free accounts can only add songs via a computer. Download Spotify for iOS or Android, or use it on your computer.