Global health service company Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is furthering its commitment to address the impact of loneliness on Americans’ health and well-being by launching an abbreviated, 10-question version of the UCLA Loneliness Index on Cigna.com. The short questionnaire will be available to the general public at no charge. Based on each participant’s responses, Cigna will provide tailored tips and suggested actions to help increase social connections and improve feelings of vitality.
The UCLA Loneliness Index is one of the world’s most widely referenced academic measures used to evaluate loneliness. It served as the measurement tool for Cigna’s 2018 survey, conducted in partnership with market research firm Ipsos, which unveiled that loneliness in America has reached epidemic levels. Key findings included:
- Nearly 50 percent of Americans are considered lonely.
- One in four Americans rarely or never feel as though there are people who understand them.
- Generation Z (ages 18-22) is the loneliest generation and claims to be in worse health than older generations.
“Our findings have prompted people from all walks of life to recognize the growing epidemic of social isolation and commit to addressing loneliness. There is increasing momentum to address this issue in our workplaces and communities,” said David M. Cordani, president and chief executive officer of Cigna. “At Cigna, we view each person’s physical, mental and social health as entirely connected. We need to go beyond addressing symptoms in silos. To help people achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle, we must treat the mind and body as one.”
While loneliness is not a diagnosable medical condition and feelings about loneliness are subjective, Cigna is working to help people better understand the impact that it can have on both mental and physical well-being, along with personal vitality. As part of this initiative, Cigna is encouraging people to talk with their health care provider about how they are feeling – both physically and mentally. To equip health care providers to have more informed conversations about loneliness with patients, Cigna has also developed background information, relevant materials and other resources.
The survey is available to everyone, aged 18 and over at no cost, regardless of whether or not they are a Cigna customer. It is not a diagnostic tool and should only be used to help better understand how people may or may not be impacted by loneliness. The survey can be found at www.cigna.com/about-us/newsroom/studies-and-reports/loneliness-questionnaire.
About Cigna
Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is a global health service company dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and sense of security. All products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Life Insurance Company of North America, Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York, or their affiliates. Such products and services include an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits, and other related products including group life, accident and disability insurance. Cigna maintains sales capability in over 30 countries and jurisdictions, and has more than 95 million customer relationships throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna®, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com. For more information about Cigna's proposed acquisition of Express Scripts, please visit www.advancinghealthcare.com.
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Contacts:
860-902-4906
elinor.polack@cigna.com
