Between the pace and pressures of contemporary life and the rise of technology, connection to other human beings has never been so threatened.  Why worry? Cutting-edge science reveals how isolation can harm us and how meaningful relationships can heal.

The data is striking: friendship is linked to a remarkable range of benefits—both physical and mental: lower blood pressure, stronger immunity, reduced dementia risk, better sleep, and longer life. As we navigate connections from infancy through childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age, we’ll meet today’s leading researchers blending insights from biology, sociology, neuroscience, and psychology.

WIRED FOR CONNECTION (1×60) is produced by Kikim Media, distributed through PBS PLUS, and presented by KQED.