F4SCAN Lays Out Plan to Tackle Loneliness, Isolation

WASHINGTON—The Foundation for Social Connection Action Network (F4SCAN), a national advocacy and community organization dedicated to advancing policies and initiatives strengthening social ties and combatting social isolation and loneliness, announced a sweeping 2025-2027 policy roadmap to combat social isolation and loneliness.

Andrew MacPherson, founder and board chair of the Foundation for Social Connection Action Network offered testimony before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, outlining a comprehensive policy roadmap that aims to promote meaningful social connections through utilizing a cross-sector strategy that calls for systemic reforms in health, education, employment and community infrastructure.

“The policy roadmap unveiled today recognizes the profound health, economic and societal consequences of social disconnection by advocating for targeted investments and policy reforms spanning across health, education, employment, infrastructure, arts and culture, nutrition and research,” said MacPherson. “This comprehensive policy agenda grounded in research and science recognizes the fact that social isolation and loneliness are no longer just personal challenges to an individual but have become an urgent public health issue that demands bold policy-driven solutions to address the negative effects costing Medicare $6.7 billion each year on social isolation according to a 2017 AARP study. If enacted, the policy agenda we have outlined today provides a way forward for our country to strengthen communities, improve health, and foster economic and social resilience.”

In his testimony, MacPherson highlighted key recommendations, including fostering intergenerational connections, increasing funding for the Older Americans Act (OAA), integrating social connection screenings into wellness visits, expanding access to affordable transportation and improving digital literacy. These initiatives reflect a commitment to systemic changes that promote social well-being and healthier aging.

Key Policy Agenda Focus Areas

• Health: Embedding social connection within health care systems to improve mental, emotional and physical health outcomes.
• Education: Expanding school-based and lifelong learning programs that foster meaningful social interactions and digital literacy.
• Work, Employment & Labor: Addressing workplace loneliness and promoting inclusive work environments that prioritize social well-being.
• Built Environment: Designing communities and public spaces that encourage social interaction and civic engagement.
• Arts, Culture & Leisure: Supporting initiatives that bring people together through creative and recreational activities.
• Food & Nutrition: Strengthening community-based food programs to enhance both nutritional access and social connectivity.
• Research & Measurement: Advancing data collection and research to better understand and address social disconnection.

Throughout the year, F4SCAN will advocate and support legislative vehicles supporting the various policy agenda items above. Two recent examples include the bipartisan reintroduction of the Social Engagement and Network Initiatives for Older Relief (SENIOR) Act by Committee Chair Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) and Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) to combat senior loneliness and promote community integration, as well as the introduction of the Improving Measurements for Loneliness and Isolation Act by U.S. Representatives Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA-06) and Mike Flood (R-NE-01), which seeks to standardize reporting measurements for loneliness and isolation.

The need for action is clear: Studies show that lacking social connection increases the risk of premature death by 50%, a threat comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Additionally, loneliness-related absenteeism costs businesses an estimated $154 billion annually, while social isolation correlates with decreased civic participation and economic mobility.

As awareness around social connection grows, F4SCAN urges policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize these policy solutions to build a more connected, resilient, and thriving society. By enacting meaningful reforms and supporting community-driven programs, we can create a future where everyone has access to relationships and support systems essential for well-being. To learn more about F4SCAN’s 2025-2027 Policy Priorities, visit endsocialisolation.org.