American university’s Jody Gan explores solutions to the loneliness epidemic

Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has spotlighted loneliness as a critical health issue. He equates its dangers to smoking 15 cigarettes daily, highlighting its links to serious health risks like heart disease, dementia, and early death. Loneliness impacts not only individuals but also society, affecting schools, workplaces, and communities by reducing performance, productivity, and engagement. Marking loneliness as a crisis!

Jody Gan, a professor at American University, sheds light on the severity of this loneliness epidemic. The issue predates COVID-19, with societal shifts towards technology use, hectic work lives, and urban design contributing to increased social isolation. The pandemic exacerbated this, especially among young adults, underlining the importance of social connections for our well-being.

Research by Julianne Holt-Lunstad highlights the stark health risks associated with loneliness, including a higher likelihood of heart disease, stroke, and mental health issues. For seniors, it raises the dementia risk by 50%. The Surgeon General warns that the crisis of loneliness can lead to a fragmented society, making it harder to tackle collective challenges like climate change and economic inequality.

To counter this, Murthy advocates for strengthening community bonds through public spaces and activities that encourage social interaction. He suggests that healthcare providers screen for loneliness and advises reducing social media use in favour of real-world relationships. Personal efforts can also help, like catching up with friends over the phone or engaging in group activities.

As winter approaches, fostering connections becomes even more vital. Simple actions like coffee with a friend, joining a book club, or volunteering can combat loneliness. These steps, according to Murthy, can help build a more connected and resilient society.