Reducing loneliness, one connection at a time

Loneliness is a serious quality-of-life issue in our country. According to a recent study, more than 40% of Americans report feeling lonely¹. In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General declared loneliness a national epidemic with physical and mental health consequences for people of all ages and backgrounds. Although feelings of loneliness surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people still find it difficult to connect meaningfully with others.

Everyone is susceptible to loneliness. Teens and young adults can feel disconnected from their peers. Older adults often view social isolation as a normal part of aging. People with chronic illnesses or disabilities, family caregivers in the "sandwich generation," and people in marginalized communities tend to experience high rates of loneliness.

To address this health crisis, Independence Blue Cross (IBX) has launched Better Together, a campaign to help people build stronger relationships and cultivate a culture of connection.



A mother and daughter watch a show together.

Loneliness impacts health and well-being

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines loneliness as feeling disconnected from others due to a lack of meaningful, close relationships or a sense of belonging. Although loneliness is typically associated with feelings of isolation, you can still feel lonely even if you have friends. This is because loneliness is related to the quality of your relationships, not the number of people you have relationships with.

Loneliness can impact your social, mental, and financial well-being. It can also affect your physical health. Individuals who experience loneliness are at increased risk for developing chronic health conditions such as depression, anxiety, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and dementia.



The real costs of loneliness²

  • The rate of loneliness among young adults has increased every year between 1976 and 2019.
  • Loneliness-related stress costs U.S. employers an estimated $154 billion annually in lost work time.
  • Loneliness is as harmful to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
  • Loneliness increases the risk for premature death by 26%.

If you feel lonely, it's important to know that you are not alone. It's also important to know that you can make meaningful connections at any age.



We are Better Together

Connecting with others is a vital part of being human. It makes us feel seen, supported, and valued. When people are connected to a community, they have lower levels of stress, improved mental health, and better outcomes in education and employment.

A community is more than your neighborhood. It's a feeling and the relationships you have with people who share common interests, values, and perspectives. You can find community in places of worship, volunteer organizations, workplaces, schools, and lots of other areas.

So, whether you want to talk to your neighbor, connect with a coworker, or rekindle an existing friendship, Better Together offers resources that can give you the confidence to nurture more engaging, authentic relationships.



Healthier connections, healthier communities

Connecting with others can be powerful for our growth and well-being. When we have strong relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues, we are more likely to be happy and resilient. We also tend to have a greater sense of purpose and belonging.

Together, let's build a culture of connection. Your health and well-being are worth it!

A group of people walk together on a street.


A person is working on a computer.

Resources

Better Together offers curated content like articles, blogs, and information on organizations that can help you foster meaningful connections. Our community directory makes it easy to find opportunities to connect with others in your neighborhood. Explore the listings and discover new groups to join, activities to help you build stronger connections with others, and local services to support your well-being.

Learn more

¹ Moondra, Sydney. Loneliness in America, mapped. Advisory Board Daily Briefing (1/30/2025). https://www.advisory.com/daily-briefing/2024/10/03/loneliness.

² Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community (2023). https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf