The Economics of Loneliness
Andrew S Nevin, PhD
Brainomics – what is the economic value of better brain health?
Today’s topic starts on a sad note… but ends with hope. In an increasingly interconnected world, millions of Americans are paradoxically lonely and disconnected from others – the loneliness epidemic is heartbreaking.?
Neuroscience tells us that loneliness significantly impacts the brain, altering both its function and physical structures. It affects key regions like the prefrontal cortex, amygdala and hippocampus, leading to impaired cognitive functions such as memory, decision-making, and social cognition.[1] Chronic loneliness heightens stress and anxiety, associated with abnormal cortisol levels and neuroinflammation, which can damage brain structures. It is also linked to an increased risk of dementia, stroke, hypertension, heart disease and diabetes – translating to huge healthcare costs.[2]??
Loneliness associated with old age is a known phenomenon, but surprising recent data shows a higher prevalence of self-reported loneliness among younger adults (i.e, working population) than the elderly.[3]??
Loneliness costs the U.S. economy $460 billion – just from absenteeism.[3] This estimate falls short of the true cost – the impact on productivity and workforce participation is certainly much bigger.??
Although loneliness has no single cause – hence no one-size-fits-all solution – employers can create brain-healthy environments. This can include opportunities for social connection through intergenerational and volunteer programs, non-work activities, encouraging in-person communication, fostering shared meaning, and identifying champions to drive actions.[4]?
The positive economic impact of these interventions can be measured, which could spur even more employers to act. This is a key research area for the Brainomics team; if you are interested in taking part, please reach out.
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Stay brain healthy!
Want to learn a little more? Here is a clip from a recent conversation about the cost of loneliness – and solutions – between our Chief Director Sandi Chapman, PhD, and Tom Insel, MD, past Director of the National Institute of Mental Health:
Footnotes:
PhD Researcher in Psychology | UCL | LSE Alumni Association | Southampton University | Edtech Founder | Nonprofit
2 周Thanks for sharing, Andrew!
Connection & Friendship Specialist helping you make friends ?? | Content Creator | Writer
1 个月I've never thought about how loneliness can impact the economy too. Thanks for citing your resources!
HKS Partner | Director of Integration. ULI Sustainable Development Council, Vice Chair DEI. Dallas Environmental Commission, Mayoral appointee. ILFI board member. COP28 NGO observer (Architecture 2030)
2 个月Erin K. Peavey
Leaders & Organisations: Building Resilient Teams | Mental Wealth Strategist | Unlock Potential | Build Resilience | Inspire Success
2 个月Insightful article, Andrew! The economics of loneliness is often underappreciated, yet it’s a critical factor in productivity and well-being. What stands out to me is the unseen cost of loneliness—how it impacts not only individuals but the collective strength of an organisation. When leaders help their teams understand that much of their emotional experience stems from their own thinking, not external circumstances, we unlock potential. This shift enables better communication, resilience under pressure, and, most importantly, stronger human connections, transforming both culture and performance. P.S. I'd love to discuss how we can apply this in practice!
Senior Project Controls Engineer at Turner & Townsend
2 个月Very informative????makes see this topic differently. Thank you for this.