The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted everyone differently. We are all concerned about the virus and the impact it has on the safety of our families, friends and co-workers. Before COVID-19, social isolation and loneliness had been a silent plague in our community. Today, those feelings of loneliness are often compounded by the need to social distance to curtail the rampant spread of the virus. It is very clear that organizations like the YMCA, senior centers, churches and others need to be providing even more opportunities for people throughout our community to connect with others and form impactful relationships.
A recent study by SocialPro found 30% of respondents always or often feel lonelier because of the pandemic. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 35 million people live in a one-person household, which equates to a 16% to 28% jump between 1969 and 2019. In context, many more people are feeling the impacts of loneliness because of loss of family members, layoffs, furloughs and new remote working situations.
While no one is immune to loneliness, some segments of the population are particularly at risk. Of the 76 million baby boomers in the United States, one in four are expected to age alone, which means as many as 19 million seniors could face the impact of physical, mental and emotional health risks associated with isolation. (AARP and the YMCA are collaborating to see what might be done to stem this isolation.)
A 2019 poll of 1,254 young adults found that 27% of millennials report having no close friends, 25% have no "acquaintances," and a staggering 22% have few or no friends. Three in 10 millennials always or often feel lonely, according to a poll by YouGov, a London-based research and analytics company.
Across all generations, nine out of 10 respondents reported increased anxiety as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
What is the impact at work? Gallup found that having a best friend at work leads to better performance. For example, its employee engagement database shows that a mere two out of 10 U.S. employees strongly agree they have a best friend at work. By moving that ratio to six in 10, organizations could realize 36% fewer safety incidents; 7% more engaged customers; and 12% higher profit.
Right now, local organizations like the YMCA, senior centers, churches and other local nonprofits are recognizing the growing need for safe places that allow people to connect. The YMCA of Greater Cleveland offers these ideas:
Exercise and socialize in a supportive, safe environment. Many employers encourage and incentivize their employees to exercise. Exercising 20-30 minutes a day can significantly lower anxiety and boost levels of endorphins and serotonin to the brain.
While exercise can be a solo activity, it can also be a social one. For example, the YMCA of Greater Cleveland's 11 branches offer group exercise inside and outside of their facilities while following strict Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health department regulations. Employees can also work with our instructors to set up a virtual group fitness class with co-workers without leaving home. The Y also offers virtual group programs for weight loss, blood pressure monitoring and more.
Engage in acts of service. Volunteering is an easy way to meet people. While COVID-19 has limited volunteering opportunities, it has not eliminated them. Business Volunteers Unlimited, serving the Greater Cleveland and Akron areas, provides a list of virtual volunteering opportunities in its resource center. Volunteers can also go safely on site at nonprofits to help serve food, assist with gardening or provide support at a blood drive.
We thank our staff and volunteers of Ys across the country who continue to help communities manage through the COVID-19 pandemic. As The New York Times reported about the Y, "2,600 outposts transformed in the first wave of illness into civic centers, caring for the children of emergency medical technicians, doctors and other essential workers when day care centers closed down even housing the homeless, when slipping from view could mean a silent death."
The silent threat to our society stemming from issues of social isolation and loneliness is very real. The YMCA of Greater Cleveland is among the nonprofits that stand ready to help you and your family as we all continue to navigate challenges related to COVID-19.
Hilk is president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Cleveland.
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COVID-19's other impact on your workforce: isolation and loneliness - Crain's Cleveland Business
