Ricketts Highlights Efforts to Address Loneliness and Isolation in Nebraska
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) highlighted his ongoing efforts to address loneliness and isolation ahead of introducing the Improving Measurements for Loneliness and Isolation Act this week.
“No Nebraskan should feel alone this holiday season. Yet, about a third of Nebraskans report feeling lonely at some point throughout the year,” said Senator Ricketts. “As I travel the state, I hear stories of Nebraskans who feel like they’re losing connections to their communities. That’s why I am introducing the Improving Measurements for Loneliness and Isolation Act. We must recognize and address loneliness in America.
“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 to target social isolation,” continued Senator Ricketts. “Only then can we implement common-sense policy to address loneliness.”
Watch the video here.
This comes as reports show about a third of Nebraskans report feeling lonely at some point throughout the year and more than 40% of people over age 60 said they felt lonely.
TRANSCRIPT:
Senator Ricketts: “Thank you all for joining this press call today.
“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. I know that’s true for my family.
“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 Nebraskans should feel alone this holiday season.
“Yet, about a third of Nebraskans report feeling lonely at some point throughout the year.
“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 problem of loneliness.
“Loneliness occurs in both our rural and urban communities. Seniors are more vulnerable.
“The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and medicine reports loneliness and isolation in older adults are strongly associated with greater incidences of morbidity, 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 the age of 60 said they felt lonely.
“The COVID pandemic exacerbated many of these problems one size fit all policies from the federal government didn’t help.
“Loneliness does not just affect Nebraska seniors, however.
“A study conducted by the University of Nebraska Lincoln found that 21% of young Nebraskans feel lonely to from some or to all the time.
“Another 24% reported feeling lonely a little bit of the time.
“These numbers are way too high. It’s time to address loneliness like any other policy issue, we need to know what measure, what to measure in order to tackle the problem and improve lives.
“We must invest resources to improve measurements to target social isolation.
“Only then can we implement common sense policy to address loneliness.
“That’s why I will be introducing the Improving Measurements for Loneliness and Isolation Act.
“It’s a bipartisan bill that I’m leading with Senator Maggie Hassan from New Hampshire.
“Representative Mike Flood introduced the companion bill in the House.
“This bill would establish a working group that standardizes the measurements of loneliness and isolation.
“This will allow us, allow experts to target the root causes of loneliness.
“Addressing these factors is essential for what for the well-being of Nebraska communities.
“This holiday season, remember to reach out to those who might be isolated.
“Encourage them to join your holiday festivities.
“At our last Thanksgiving gathering, we had 89 people.
“We invited people who didn’t have any other plans.
“I encourage people to do the same.
“Reach out to others and bring them with you as you volunteer with charities or 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 loneliness.
“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.”