Senator Ricketts’ Weekly Column: Lifting Nebraskans Out of Loneliness

The holidays are a special time in Nebraska.  We volunteer to serve our communities.  Families and friends spend more time together.  But for too many Nebraskans, the holidays can be lonely.  Families are increasingly spread apart.  Digital connections are good, but it’s not the same thing as being there in person.  Nebraskans of all ages are becoming more isolated as a result. 

No Nebraskan should feel alone this holiday season.  Yet, about a third of Nebraskans report feeling lonely some of the time.  As I travel the state, I hear stories of Nebraskans who feel like they’re losing connections to their communities.  That’s why I recently introduced the Improving Measurements for Loneliness and Isolation Act.  We must recognize and address loneliness in America. 

Across Nebraska, mental health care providers are hard at work to address the growing loneliness problem.  Loneliness occurs in both our urban and rural communities.  Seniors are more vulnerable.  The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine reports loneliness and isolation in older adults are strongly associated with poorer health outcomes.  That includes cognitive decline, depression, anxiety, a decreased quality of life, and early death.  A report from February 2020 found that about a quarter of seniors were socially isolated.  More than 40% of people over age 60 said they felt lonely.  The COVID pandemic exacerbated many of these problems.  One-size-fits-all policies from the federal government didn’t help. 

Loneliness doesn’t just affect Nebraska Seniors.  A study conducted by the University of Nebraska Lincoln found that 21% of Nebraskans feel lonely some or all of the time.  These numbers are too high.

It’s time to address loneliness.  Like any other policy issue, we need to know what to measure in order to tackle the problem and improve lives.  We must invest resources to improve measurements that target social isolation.  Only then can we implement common-sense policy to stop the loneliness crisis.  

That’s why I introduced the Improving Measurements for Loneliness and Isolation Act.  It’s a bipartisan bill I am leading with Democrat Senator Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire.  Representative Mike Flood introduced this bill in the House.  This bill would establish a working group that standardizes the measurements of loneliness and isolation.  This will allow experts to target the root causes of this epidemic.  Addressing these factors is essential for the well-being of Nebraska communities. 

This holiday season, remember to reach out to those who might feel isolated.  Encourage them to join in your holiday festivities.  Bring them with you as you volunteer with charities, churches, or schools.  Nebraska Nice is not just a phrase.  It’s defined by how Nebraskans lift up one another.  Federal mandates alone will not solve this crisis.  In fact, it’s just the opposite.  We can do a lot at the federal level.  But at the end of the day, strong communities will help lift people out of loneliness and isolation.  Nebraska is what America is supposed to be.  Let’s lead by example and support every Nebraskan this season. 

Contact my team anytime by phone at 202-224-4224.  You can also view my website at www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact.