Loneliness is an epidemic among U.S. adults
A whopping 58% of U.S. adults are considered lonely, a figure that reflects negative mental health impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic has fueled mental health issues in the U.S. over the past few years, according to the results of a survey from Cigna and Morning Consult. While loneliness was an issue before the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S., it has become an epidemic over the past few years. In fact, 61% of U.S. adults were experiencing loneliness in 2019 –– a seven percentage point hike from 2018.
The findings come as the pandemic has negatively influenced many different mental health issues, and loneliness and mental health concerns often go hand-in-hand. In fact, those who experience mental health issues are more than twice as likely to experience loneliness. The loneliness issue is particularly prevalent among workers, according to the survey, though all demographics are impacted.
“Given this association and widespread mental health concerns following the pandemic, the need to continue to raise awareness about loneliness remains,” the survey noted. “It impacts us every day, everywhere, and while society adjusts to the new normal of work, family, social interaction, health and safety, it’s essential that efforts to address loneliness and improve mental wellness continue.”
Among those most likely to be affected by loneliness are underrepresented racial groups:
- 75% of Hispanics are classified as lonely
- 68% of black/African American adults are classified as lonely
That’s at least 10% higher than the 58% of the general population of U.S. adults who are lonely, and this trend is relatively new. Just a few years ago, previous data showed similar experiences of loneliness across demographics.
Additionally, people with lower incomes are lonelier than those with higher incomes. For example, 63% of those earning less than $50,000 per year are classified as lonely –– 10 points higher than those earning $50,000 or more. Another 72% who receive health benefits through Medicaid are classified as lonely, far above the 55% of adults covered by private, employer- or union-provided health insurance benefits who said the same.
Other survey highlights:
- 79% of adults aged 18 to 24 report feeling lonely compared to 41% of seniors aged 66 and older
- 57% of men and 59% of women reported being lonely
- About 65% of parents and guardians are classified as lonely, to 55% of non-parents
- Mothers are especially likely to be considered lonely (69%) – seven points higher than the rate of loneliness among fathers (62%)
- Physical health plays a big role in loneliness, as 77% of adults classified as having fair or poor physical health are experiencing loneliness, compared to 50% of those with excellent or very good physical health
As previously mentioned, loneliness often coincides with other mental health issues, including stress, anxiety and depression. And the impact can be detrimental. In a professional environment, loneliness can lead to less engaged workers, lower productivity and decreased performance.
These challenges result in an estimated $154 billion annual cost in stress-related absenteeism to businesses, according to Cigna and Morning Consult. Data from 2019 found lonely people are more than twice as likely than those who are not lonely to miss a day of work due to illness and more than five times as likely to miss work due to stress.
Not only can loneliness interfere with a job, but it can also increase dissatisfaction –– lonely employees are more than three times as likely to be dissatisfied with their job (21%) as employees who are not lonely (7%).
The findings come as the healthcare industry faces mounting mental health concerns among its workforce, as well as staffing shortages and high vacancies. To address the issue, Cigna, one of the nation’s largest health insurance providers, noted organizations and businesses need to mitigate and offer help to employees.
“It will take private and public sectors coming together to drive systemic change, but employers can take more immediate steps to help their community of employees build and maintain their health, strength and energy,” the survey stated.
Cigna suggested employers build and reinforce social connectivity at work and in the community, offer well-being benefits and offer flexibility to workers, and create an environment that is safe and welcoming for all through diversity and inclusion efforts.
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."