Recent Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index results found that 20% of Americans are experiencing loneliness. The rate of those saying they felt lonely “a lot of the day yesterday” has risen from 18% in May, but is still less than the highs of 25% measured several times during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The study found connections between key indicators of well-being and those who experience loneliness.

Almost half (47%) of those who answered “no” to the question “Do you like what you do every day?” experienced loneliness the previous day. Only 9% of those who answered “yes” felt lonely.

Social interaction is also a primary indicator of loneliness. When asked whether their friends and family give them daily positive energy, 45% of those who answered “no” experience loneliness, while only 10% of those who answered “yes” do.

Other major factors linked to loneliness are activity and productivity. Respondents were asked to agree or disagree with the statement, “In the last seven days, you have felt active and productive every day.” For those experiencing loneliness, 39% disagreed with the statement, and only 9% agreed.

In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General released a report stating that the U.S. is experiencing an “epidemic of loneliness.” The study devised strategies to treat the epidemic, including “reforming digital environments” and “cultivating a culture of connection.”

More information on the Gallup report, including the survey’s methodology and other results, can be found here.

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