According to Cigna, only around half of Americans (53 percent) have meaningful in-person social interactions, such as long conversations with friends or quality time with family, on a daily basis.

According to Cigna, only around half of Americans (53 percent) have meaningful in-person social interactions, such as long conversations with friends or quality time with family, on a daily basis.

A lot of Americans feel lonely – between one-third and half, depending on which research you consult. The holidays can be an especially difficult time for people who spend them alone.

A few weeks ago, we talked about the emotional experience of loneliness."On Second Thought" host Virginia Prescott speaks with Kerstin Emerson.

Today, we looked at the health effects and financial costs of sustained loneliness with Kerstin Emerson, a clinical assistant professor of gerontology at the University of Georgia's College of Public Health.

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Tags: chronic loneliness  holidays  Loneliness  Public Health  University of Georgia  Atlanta  Georgia  Macon  Savannah