If you are feeling lonely, remember this — you are not alone. Today, one in three adults in the United States reports feeling lonely, with 61 percent of those between the ages of 18 and 25 reporting the highest percentage of loneliness. “Even if you’re surrounded by others throughout the day — or are in a long-term relationship — you can still experience chronic loneliness,” observes Hayley Flott, PDRMA Wellness Consultant.

“Humans are wired for live, face-to-face interactions to create social connections,” explains Flott. “However, there has been a marked decrease in social participation and interactions, especially over the past decade.” Understanding the causes and impact of loneliness is critical, because research shows loneliness poses a significant risk for our overall well-being and long-term health.

Feeling lonely is associated with a 29-percent higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, as well as increased rates of depression, anxiety, drug use, suicides and premature death. The health impact of being socially disconnected is equal to smoking up to 15 cigarettes daily and is even more significant than the effect of physical inactivity and obesity.

From 2003 to 2020, studies show the amount of time people spend engaging with friends in person dropped from 60 minutes per day to just 20 minutes daily. Those most impacted by that decrease were young people aged 15 to 24 whose in-person time declined by nearly 70 percent — going from roughly 150 minutes per day in 2003 to just 40 minutes per day in 2020. Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic made many people feel even more isolated.

“Anything that reduces or eliminates social connection can cause loneliness,” adds Flott. “It may be a job loss, technology, divorce, certain health conditions and/or low socioeconomic status”

So how can we combat loneliness for ourselves and our communities? “It is essential for each of us to strengthen our connections and relationships,” recommends Flott. “Take time to nurture your friendships. Reach out to friends you have lost touch with and create new relationships by becoming active in social and community groups. If you know someone who is experiencing loneliness, connect with them and let them know where they can get help.”

Impact of loneliness on older adults and the LGBTQ community. Loneliness impacts people from all walks of life, but studies show older adults and the LGBTQ community are especially hard hit. 33 percent of older adults report feeling lonely. Causes of that loneliness include socioeconomic factors, death of a spouse and friends, retirement, physical limitations and health conditions. Both social isolation and loneliness independently increase the likelihood of depression or anxiety in older adults. LGBTQ individuals are more likely to suffer from loneliness compared to their heterosexual peers. They more often are single, childless, living alone and have less frequent contact with their families, reducing their social interactions. Feelings of rejection within society as well as associated social anxiety also contribute to feelings of loneliness. Young LGBTQ individuals are twice as likely to feel lonely compared to their heterosexual peers. Places such as schools, homes and communities that strive to be safe spaces for young people are often where LGBTQ youth experience significant bullying and rejection. COVID-19 was particularly tough on LGBTQ youth, especially those who were not openly out with their families and had to hide their identity 24/7. Sixty percent of older LGBTQ adults report having a lack of companionship and 50 percent feel lonely. (Want to help? Click here to read our article about how to help those suffering from loneliness.)