Loneliness & Social Isolation Can Cost Nations From More Than $2 Billion To $25 Billion Annually

The economic effects of loneliness and social isolation in a review of six countries ranged from $2 billion per year to $25 billion per year, based on an analysis of 15 studies that included data from six countries. The costs attributed to loneliness and social isolation were due to health care utilization and lower productivity, according to the researchers. Programs to alleviate loneliness and social isolation may be cost-effective, and some programs included in the social return on investment analysis showed positive returns. The researchers recommend additional economic analysis of the costs to guide future decisions and interventions to . . .