New Aetna Medicare programs help combat social isolation, improve health outcomes

HARTFORD, Conn. — Medical research shows that loneliness and social isolation are associated with negative health behaviors and a wide range of illnesses. In fact, the health impact of loneliness has been equated to smoking 15 cigarettes a day (Holt-Lunstad 2010). Loneliness and isolation are prevalent. A 2019 University of Michigan study found that 34% of