About one out of every two Americans experience measurable levels of loneliness at any given moment. That means nearly everyone has or will experience what Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has described an epidemic of loneliness.
Defining Loneliness
Loneliness is more than just being physically alone or feeling sad. It can be brought on by experiencing loss or dramatic shifts in our lives, and we’re also becoming increasingly disconnected, says Shannon Vyvijal from the Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness. We are less involved in community groups than ever before, increasingly living alone, and 49% of Americans say they have three friends or fewer. Hyper-individualism and tribalism have made us believe we don’t need to rely on others, and our dependence on digital technologies has distracted us from forming genuine connections.
Health Consequences
Loneliness can increase a person’s risk for anxiety, depression, heart disease, and dementia. It also heightens the risk of premature death by 26%. Though loneliness affects people of all ages and across all demographics, young adults are twice as likely to be lonelier than older adults, and 65% of parents and guardians have reported a strong sense of feeling left out.
The invisibility of loneliness is what makes it so harmful, and acknowledging it can help us find solutions to this health epidemic.
What To Do About It
“Loneliness is not a personal problem,” says Vyvijal. “It's not an individual flaw or a unique thing that you are only experiencing. It’s a structural, societal issue, and as more people are becoming aware of that, the stigma around experiencing loneliness is chipping away.”
The Coalition has contributed to and supported legislation this year to address the epidemic. Here are three you should know about:
The National Strategy for Social Connection Act
This bill would establish an office within the White House to create national guidelines for social connection, improve social infrastructure, and provide funding to study social isolation and loneliness.Improving Measurements for Loneliness and Isolation Act
This bipartisan bill would form a coalition that recommends standards for measuring loneliness and proposes solutions based on the findings.Addressing Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults Act
This legislation proposes a grant and training program to reduce social isolation among older adults and adults with disabilities.
➕ Check out more policy priorities from the Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness.
