Infographics

Addressing Loneliness & Social Isolation During the Pandemic

Published on: December 03, 2020. Updated on: March 02, 2021.

41% of adults

have reported feeling socially isolated

About the Data Insights

With COVID-19 cases surging, and new stay at home orders emerging as we enter into the winter months, there has been a renewed sense for prioritizing happiness and combating loneliness and social isolation.

This infographic highlights the risk factors associated with loneliness and explores its impact on health. Key strategies are also identified to help combat loneliness and social isolation.

If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

Citations

Loneliness Definition: Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions, November 4, 2020

Social Isolation Definition: AARP Foundation & United Health Foundation, The Pandemic Effect: A Social Isolation Report, October 6, 2020

Loneliness & Social Isolation Before the Pandemic: Kaiser Foundation, Loneliness and Social Isolation in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan: An International Survey, 2018

NOTE: Kaiser Foundation in partnership with The Economist conducted a cross-country survey with the population of interest being adults age 18-65+ in the United States, United Kingdom, and Japan.

Reported Feelings of Loneliness & Social Isolation From August: AARP Foundation & United Health Foundation, The Pandemic Effect: A Social Isolation Report, October 6, 2020

NOTE: Online survey among 18+ adults, fielded from August 21-25, 2020

Younger Generations: AARP Foundation & United Health Foundation, The Pandemic Effect: A Social Isolation Report, October 6, 2020

NOTE: Online survey among 18+ adults, fielded from August 21-25, 2020

Increased Negative Mental Health Symptoms: AARP Foundation & United Health Foundation, The Pandemic Effect: A Social Isolation Report, October 6, 2020

Risk Factors of Loneliness: “Loneliness, social isolation, and behavioral and biological health indicators in older adults,” Health Psychology 2011

Factors with Little Effect on Loneliness: AARP, Loneliness and Social Connections: A National Survey of Adults 45 and Older, 2010-2018

NOTE: AARP conducted a national survey of U.S. adults age 45 and older to focus on loneliness among midlife and older adults

Physical Health Risks of Loneliness & Social Isolation: Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions, November 6, 2020

Putting off Doctors Visits: AARP Foundation & United Health Foundation, The Pandemic Effect: A Social Isolation Report, October 6, 2020

Solutions to Combatting Loneliness & Social Isolation: Harris Regional Hospital, Social Isolation and Loneliness: The Silent Pandemic, August 31, 2020

Resources