Study calls for community action as loneliness grows in Nebraska

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) - A new study from the University of Lincoln Bureau of Sociological Research shows that one in six Nebraskans feels lonely some or all of the time.

The findings highlight how employment and marital status impact loneliness. Forty percent of unemployed Nebraskans reported feeling lonely, compared to just 14% of those employed. Marital status also makes a difference—30% of unmarried individuals said they experience frequent loneliness, while only 8% of married people reported the same.

Younger adults are more likely to feel lonely. Among residents aged 19 to 44, 21% reported feeling lonely. This compares to 13% of those aged 65 and older.

Rural Prosperity Nebraska Extension Educator Jamie Bright said the lack of social skills among younger adults may contribute to this trend.

“I visited with several employers who said they have a lot of young people right out of college who don’t have some of those social skills because they haven’t had the chance to have those interactions,” Bright said.

The Extension encourages volunteering as a way to reduce isolation. Taking just a few hours a week or even a month to volunteer can help build stronger connections and a more supportive community.

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