In 2021, over half of adult Americans (58%) reported being lonely. Research shows that social isolation and loneliness increase the risk for a variety of different physical and mental conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, dementia, immune and respiratory illnesses, and even death. Finding opportunities to foster social connection and belonging are important for the health and well-being of society – even now more than ever – as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, we released our 2023-2024 policy priorities, which outline recommendations for the 118th Congress and the Biden Administration to consider in addressing the long-term impact of social isolation and loneliness. The Coalition recommends the following overarching policy priorities:
- Increase public awareness regarding social isolation and loneliness and their effect on health, belonging, well-being, and resilience.
- Enhance social services and supports to address social isolation, loneliness, and promote social connection.
- Advance health services and supports to address social isolation, loneliness, and promote social connection.
- Leverage innovative solutions that foster connection and social integration.
- Advance research to establish the prevalence of social isolation, loneliness, and connection.
Review the policy priorities here.