Independence Blue Cross (IBX) announced
the launch of “Better Together,” a public awareness campaign to highlight
the health impacts of loneliness and empower people to build stronger, more
meaningful connections.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define loneliness as a
feeling of being disconnected from others due to a lack of meaningful or
close relationships or a sense of belonging. The impacts of loneliness can
be far-reaching, and everyone is susceptible. According to a 2023 advisory
by the U.S. Surgeon General, loneliness not only significantly impacts both
individual and societal health but increases the risk of premature death,
heart disease, stroke, depression, and dementia.
The Better Together campaign helps people learn more about the effects of
loneliness and gives them resources to build connections for themselves and
others. It offers social media content, articles, fact sheets, videos, and
more, with much of the content featured on the campaign’s comprehensive
website. On the website, there is also a directory of nonprofit
organizations across the Philadelphia five-county region that offer programs
and opportunities to help people make social connections.
In a recent survey conducted by IBX of southeastern Pennsylvania residents
of all ages, just over one-third of respondents said they sometimes or
always felt a lack of companionship or social connection in the past six
months. Additionally, nearly half of those who felt a lack of companionship,
social connection, or a sense of exclusion said their feelings of loneliness
have negatively impacted their health.
“Loneliness is a silent epidemic that affects people of all ages and
backgrounds,” said Dr. Richard Snyder, executive vice president and chief
operating officer of Independence Blue Cross. “Through the Better Together
campaign, we want to help individuals and communities understand the
profound health impacts of loneliness while offering tangible resources to
help people feel more connected. We know that when people feel socially
connected, they are healthier, happier, and more resilient.”
The Growing Impact of Loneliness
The Surgeon General’s 2023 advisory reveals alarming statistics about the
impact of loneliness:
• Poor social relationships, social isolation, and loneliness increase the
risk of heart disease by 29% and stroke by 32%.• Adults who experience chronic loneliness are more than twice as likely to
develop depression.• The health risks of loneliness are comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a
day.• Among older adults, loneliness increases the risk of developing dementia by
50%, leading to an estimated $6.7 billion in excess Medicare spending
annually.
The report notes that loneliness affects people of all ages. It also impacts
those with poor health, disabilities, financial insecurity, and individuals
who live alone or are single parents are disproportionately impacted. While
the highest rates of social isolation are found among older adults, young
adults are almost twice as likely to report feeling lonely than those over
65. Further, it states that the benefits of social connection extend beyond
health, to quality of life, education, employment, and economic outcomes.
For more information about the Better Together campaign, visit
ibx.com/bettertogether.
