From the Allegheny Mountains in the west to the beach towns on the Eastern Shore, individuals and families are experiencing a loss of meaningful connection, with serious consequences for health and well-being.
New data from The Cigna Group’s Loneliness in America 2025 report reveals that 57% of Americans experience loneliness, a staggering statistic that highlights the growing epidemic of disconnection impacting emotional health, physical well-being and social ties. In Maryland, this challenge is visible across communities, touching people of all ages and backgrounds.
Loneliness affects new parents balancing work and childcare, older adults adjusting to life without regular social interaction and especially caregivers, many of whom feel unseen and unsupported. According to the report, 62% of unpaid caregivers report feeling lonely, with even higher rates among younger caregivers. These individuals face the heavy responsibility of caring for others while dealing with isolation themselves.
Certain life circumstances such as living alone, poor health or unemployment increase the risk of loneliness. Additionally, some groups, such as LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants and people with disabilities, face unique barriers like stigma, language challenges or mobility limitations, making it harder to forge meaningful connections.
Since Cigna Healthcare began tracking loneliness in 2018, the situation has worsened. At that time, 46% of adults said they felt lonely. By 2023, that number jumped to 58%, a troubling trend that continues to rise across Maryland. The impacts are visible in our communities, with higher rates of mental health challenges and increased stress at home and work.
Loneliness is linked to serious health risks, including depression, high blood pressure, heart disease, cognitive decline and even early death. Since 2018, Cigna Healthcare has seen a 134% increase in outpatient behavioral health visits, a clear indicator of the growing need for support.
The COVID-19 pandemic worsened the situation by disrupting social routines. Even as restrictions eased, many individuals still struggle to re-establish connections. Remote work, fewer public gatherings and less spontaneous social interaction continue to have lasting effects, keeping loneliness a persistent concern.
Taking Action: Small Steps Toward Reconnection
As a physician, I urge my patients to take small, intentional steps to improve their social lives. Simple actions like walking with a neighbor, joining a local club or regularly calling a friend can significantly improve emotional and physical well-being. Reducing screen time during family moments is another effective strategy for fostering deeper connections.
We also need to normalize conversations about loneliness. Too often, people are reluctant to admit they’re struggling with isolation. But acknowledging loneliness is the first step toward healing and rebuilding connections.
Maryland Communities Are Rising to the Challenge
Across Maryland, local programs and organizations are stepping up to tackle loneliness. For example, the Social Connections Program ensures older adults receive daily wellness checks, helping maintain social engagement and reduce isolation. Additionally, the Task Force on Loneliness and Isolation was created to assess Maryland’s needs and develop strategies to build stronger social connections at the community level.
Organizations like Thread in Baltimore are also making a difference by providing mentorship and life skills training for at-risk youth, helping to break the cycle of isolation. In Western Maryland, Meritus Health Care addresses loneliness through their wellness caller program, which regularly checks in on older adults to help them stay connected. Springboard Community Services operates in several Maryland counties, supporting vulnerable families by building self-confidence and resilience, key factors in combating loneliness.
For those in need of immediate support, Find A Helpline offers free, confidential counseling services, while NAMI Maryland provides resources for those dealing with mental health challenges related to loneliness.
Employers also play a crucial role in addressing this issue. Studies show that lonely employees are twice as likely to be distracted, less likely to meet performance targets and more likely to seek new jobs. However, when employees feel supported and enjoy a healthy work-life balance, they are 10 times more likely to report high vitality and engagement. Offering flexible schedules, caregiver support and fostering social interaction in the workplace can significantly improve emotional health.
At Cigna Healthcare, we’re piloting “social prescriptions” for health care providers to recommend a non-medical intervention such as movement, serving others or spending time in nature to treat a physical or behavioral issue. Whether prescribed by a health care provider or self-prescribed, a social prescription can be a powerful tool to improve a person’s overall health outcomes.
Let’s Prioritize Social Connections in Maryland
Whether you are a neighbor, employer or community leader, we all have a role to play in creating a more connected, supportive Maryland. Tackling loneliness should be a public health priority, and together, we can make a meaningful difference.
