BetterLife tackles problem of rural isolation, loneliness

Wisconsin-based company launches “BetterLife Connect” to bring new opportunities for community connections

Loneliness and isolation have created a health crisis, causing increased mortality and lower quality of life for millions of people in communities of all sizes across America. 

In rural Wisconsin, BetterLife is taking aim at that problem by creating new opportunities to build a sense of belonging. The company announced today its new “BetterLife Connect” program, rolling out in Wisconsin and across its full 20 states of coverage. 

BetterLife Connect opens BetterLife local community groups to all residents, regardless of whether they participate in BetterLife insurance and financial services. These local community groups independently meet for social events, host community celebrations, and identify and execute projects to improve their communities. 

“Society today is trending away from personal relationships, and that has a real effect on not only mental health but physical health as well,” said BetterLife CEO Chris Campbell. “It is time to reverse that trend, and BetterLife means to be a part of the solution.”

Local people understand their own area’s needs best, and that is why BetterLife relies on its local groups to find impactful projects. BetterLife, along with local support, raises funds that can help individual families in need or complete larger projects that everyone can enjoy. For example, again this spring BetterLife will bring dozens together to plant the flower beds at the Acorn Hill Assisted Living Facility in Mosinee, just outside of Wausau, ushering in the season, connecting with our neighbors, and sharing some sunlight with those at the center. 

Perhaps more importantly, these efforts bring people together and forge new relationships that strengthen communities.

The issues addressed by BetterLife Connect have real consequences for health:

• According to the peer-reviewed journal Health Affairs:
  • Loneliness increases a person’s chance of premature death by 26% 
  • Social isolation increases these risks by 29% 
  • Living alone increases risks by 32% 
• Social disconnection has a mortality impact “similar to that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day and even greater than that associated with obesity and physical inactivity,” according to a 2023 U.S. Surgeon General report.

Rural areas in particular face challenges due to larger distances between people, greater limitations on transportation, smaller populations from which to meet people and challenges for newcomers to forge bonds within existing communities. And the problem is getting worse. Research shows that since 2003, Americans are spending an additional 24 hours per month alone. 

“Everyone needs a place to belong, and it’s time we opened this up to the whole community,” Campbell said. “I’ve seen the difference our BetterLife groups can make, from people who are new to an area finding friends, to widowers making new connections as they transition through their grief. I’ve seen couples grow stronger. I’ve seen communities grow. It’s incredible.”

Along with participation in local groups, BetterLife Connect members will have access to 

• An online portal to chat and stay informed about area events
• Virtual events with prizes as well as opportunities to connect online with other members
• BetterLife member publications
• Optimity Wellness app, where members can set health and wellness goals and receive personalized coaching and interactive resources

To learn more and to become a member of your local BetterLife group, visit https://connect.betterlifeins.com.