silent epidemic 无声流行病

Loneliness increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke by almost a third, according to research. 

研究显示，孤独会使人患上心脏病或中风的几率提高近1/3。

The effect of social isolation is similar to that of anxiety or work-related stress. 

社交孤立的影响类似于焦虑症或工作压力。

Campaigners recently called for urgent action to tackle the 'silent epidemic' of loneliness among the elderly. More than half of over-75s live alone – and about 1 million Britons are thought to suffer loneliness. 

最近，英国一些活动人士呼吁尽快行动起来，应对老年人中的“无声流行病”---孤独寂寞。英国75岁以上的老人中，超过一半独居。据称大约100万英国人感到孤独。