On Tuesday, legislators announced a campaign to help combat loneliness and social isolation in Connecticut.
Lt Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said 60% of Americans say they feel lonely.
She said a report from the U.S. surgeon general noted that being lonely has the same health impact as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
The report also said loneliness and isolation increases the risk of premature death.
Legislators said in the U.S over $6 billion dollars are spent in Medicare costs to curb the health impacts that come from social isolation.