The loneliness epidemic
“We cannot prevent loneliness; loneliness is a natural part of life.” Dr. Ami Rokach has been studying loneliness for over three decades.
He says there is a stigmatization when it comes to be lonely and that people don’t want to talk about it for fear of being considered unpopular.
But that may be changing. More awareness is being given to loneliness. In the U.K. there is a Minister of Loneliness to address the growing amount of loneliness, especially in seniors.
Dr. Rokach says the loneliness epidemic does not just affect seniors.
“A group that is even lonelier than seniors are emerging adults. the ages of 18-26.”
Social media may be to blame.
“Research shows those who share what they do makes them less lonely than those who just watch. When they watch, they are watching the best activities people do. They feel they don’t partake in life, and that enhances their loneliness.”
While there is no bandaid solution to loneliness, Dr. Rokach says we need to understand what makes each person lonely to know how to help them and teach people how to deal with loneliness.
Watch Dr. Rokach’s full extended interview with Molly Thomas at top of the page.
