Welcome to the age of loneliness

A recent study found that only 37% of millennials feel at home where they live. Another study by the British red cross found that 9 million Brits feel lonely, most of them are renters or residents that also admit they don’t feel attached to their neighborhood. Studies like these pushed the last British government to take a radical step and appoint a new minister — the Minister of Loneliness.

England is no unique. Despite the increase in quality of life in western countries, it seems that rising global economic prosperity might be correlated with a decline in overall happiness, partly due to social isolation.

The culture of individualism is on the rise, and traditional sources of solidarity — labor unions, civic associations, neighborhood organizations and religious groups — are in decline. In the cities we rarely greet our neighbors and the streets are filled with anonymous faces.

Our lack of close relationships is a serious concern. Scientists believe that prolonged loneliness has a large impact on both our mental and physical health and could even be a greater health hazard than obesity or smoking. Read the last sentence again:

[loneliness] could be a greater health hazard than obesity and smoking”

The Happiness research institute, a think tank from Denmark, explored in a recent study a groups of countries that were doing exceptionally well in terms of “social capital” for their income levels. Such countries, as those in Latin America for example, were showing a potential link between strong communities and mental health, indicating that social engagement has some impact on well-being.

In one of the most inspiring TED talks from 2017, Susan Pinker outlines her research on the island of Sardinia. Sardinia’s residents have the world longest life expectancy, and to Susan’s surprise, it was not due to the rich Mediterranean diet. It was due to the fact that Sardinian’s live in tight inter-generational communities where the youngsters are involved in providing care for the elders, and those are celebrated for their experience and wisdom rather than being segregated in elderly homes.

So, it might just be that the Minister of Loneliness has one of the most important jobs in the UK. How is your nation handling loneliness?