Home / Health / Loneliness Epidemic Hits 58 Million Americans Over 45
Loneliness Epidemic Hits 58 Million Americans Over 45
4 Dec
Summary
- Nearly 58 million US adults aged 45+ are lonely, a growing crisis.
- Loneliness increases risks for heart disease, stroke, and dementia.
- Men are now more likely to be lonely than women in this age group.
A significant and growing number of American adults aged 45 and older are experiencing loneliness, with projections indicating nearly 58 million individuals are affected this year. This represents an increase from previous surveys, highlighting an urgent public health concern. The consequences are dire, as research consistently links loneliness and social isolation to a higher risk of serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, anxiety, depression, and dementia.
Recent findings reveal a notable shift in demographics, with men in the 45-plus age group now reporting higher rates of loneliness than women, a reversal of previous trends. While loneliness tends to decrease with higher education and income, the overall prevalence is rising. Many affected adults report having fewer close friends compared to five years ago, and a substantial portion has felt lonely for six years or more.
Addressing this crisis requires both individual action and systemic change. Experts emphasize the importance of open dialogue to reduce stigma and encourage people to reach out to one another. Legislative efforts, like the proposed "Improving Measurements for Loneliness and Isolation Act," aim to standardize reporting. The report strongly encourages community engagement and personal connections to combat the isolating effects of modern life.
