Loneliness Epidemic: 1 in 4 Adults Struggle with Social Isolation, Study Finds
A recent global study conducted by Meta-Gallup has brought attention to the problem of loneliness among individuals aged 15 and older. The study involved 142 nations and aimed to assess participants’ emotional state by asking them the question, “How lonely do you feel?” The results were concerning, with 24% of respondents admitting to feeling “very” or “fairly” alone.
What is particularly alarming is that young people seem to be disproportionately affected by loneliness. According to the Meta-Gallup survey, 27% of individuals between the ages of 19 and 29 reported feeling very alone. In contrast, only 17% of those aged 65 and older expressed similar feelings of loneliness.
Interestingly, the study revealed that individuals aged 45 and older experienced relatively little loneliness compared to their younger counterparts. The majority of respondents under the age of 45 reported feeling slightly or very isolated.
It is worth noting that the study found no variation in reported degrees of loneliness based on gender. However, significant differences in the prevalence of loneliness were observed across different nations, mainly attributed to cultural factors. In a majority of the 142 countries surveyed, women reported higher rates of loneliness than men.
The Meta-Gallup survey, conducted from June 2022 to February 2023, involved 1,000 respondents per country and utilized phone interviews and in-person surveys. The combined adult population of the countries surveyed represents approximately 77% of the world’s total population.
The findings of this study highlight the risks associated with loneliness, confirming concerns expressed in a World Health Organization report from December 2020 and a recommendation from the US surgeon general. Loneliness can have negative consequences on both physical and emotional health, potentially leading to premature mortality.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a decrease in loneliness, 49% of respondents still believe that loneliness remains a significant concern. Prominent government agencies, including the US Surgeon General, have acknowledged loneliness as a serious problem and have linked it to various health issues such as cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and early mortality.
To combat loneliness, it is essential to break the stigma surrounding it. People who struggle with loneliness should reject the notion that it reflects personal deficiency and challenge the idea that they are social liabilities. By doing so, communities can come together to provide support and assistance.
Dr. Olivia Remes, a mental health researcher at Cambridge University, emphasizes the importance of social connections for human wellbeing. She advises against spending excessive time passively scrolling through social media, as it can negatively impact one’s mental health. Instead, she suggests engaging in active social interactions such as posting updates, commenting on friends’ posts, or sending private messages.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends several strategies to overcome loneliness. These include striking up conversations with friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues, actively participating in the community, and pursuing shared interests with like-minded individuals. Self-compassion is also crucial for individuals experiencing social isolation.
The Meta-Gallup study serves as a reminder that loneliness affects individuals of all ages and should be taken seriously. Efforts to address this issue and provide support to those who are lonely can help improve overall well-being and reduce the negative impact of loneliness on society.
**Sources:**
– Meta-Gallup study: [Link](https://www.10news.com/nearly-1-in-4-adults-across-the-world-feel-lonely-new-survey-finds)
– World Health Organization report: [Link](https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/24/health/lonely-adults-gallup-poll-wellness/index.html)
– US Surgeon General recommendation: [Link](https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/24/health/lonely-adults-gallup-poll-wellness/index.html)
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