The world has had to face off with different epidemic outbreaks at different eras in the history of mankind. With changing times and advancement in technology the problems facing the human race seems to be evolving. Social and behaviourial patterns is changing with these technological revolution leading to more individualism and isolation, in other words Loneliness.
Loneliness is a recurrent feature of the modern age due to invention of gadgets such as smart phones, most of us immerse ourselves in the virtual world to the detriment of our social life. In the past loneliness used to be associated with mostly the elderly but the change in lifestyle has meant we all are at the risk of this silent killer yet it is being ovelooked by many.
There is increase in people living alone due to different reasons ranging from work to divorce to education means we are living far off from our loved ones and we do not have time to face to face socialization as this has been encroached or taking over by the various apps we have on our gadgets. This also has changed the way we shop as we can practically order for every of our needs online and have it delivered to our doorstep.
In the United States of America it is estimated a quater of the population live alone while in the United Kingdom majority of the population above 75 live alone and about 200000 of this elderly have not had conversation with a relative or a friend for over a month.
Various studies have linked loneliness with a number of health issues such as worsening immune system, irregular sleep patterns, high level of stress hormones e.t.c. All of these are risk factors that put people at a greater risk of life threatening circumstances such as dementia, high blood pressure and early mortality. For more on the studies click here. Also research has shown that loneliness has similar effect as obesity has on early mortality.
In the developed countries foundations are begining to spring up to raise awareness as regards the dangers of loneliness, it seeming neglect by health professionals and lack of awareness by the general public. Organisations such as Campaign to end loneliness in the United Kingdom and first silver lining have been championing the course against loneliness. The Jo Cox commission which was established by the late MP before her death have called for a minister to be appointed to tackle this menace.
To tackle loneliness the following actions has to be taken:
- Increased awareness of loneliness to the general public on its dangers and health implications to tackle the stigma attached to it.
- To educate health workers on its consequences and how best to ameliorate this with available resources.
Individuals should actively seek to engage themselves in social gathering.
People should prepare for retirement socially and financially.
- Government at all levels should embark on creating recreational places to encourage social gathering.
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Further reading
This is a nice thought @ blessed man. Loneliness kills faster than HIV...it does bring a bored and unstable state of mind.
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Yes it does bring an unstable mind, unfortunately its been overlooked by many.
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Technology has consumed our generation. Friends or families will hangout in a place for hours without talking, just busy with their phones.
Thank you for sharing!
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We have to strive to get our social life back. We all are guilty one way or the other. Thank you for stopping by.
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I totally agree with this assertion. Not only are we becoming lonelier, but our social skills seems to be on the decline to my perspective. A lady friend of my confirm that these days guys just cannot smooth talk like they used to. Also I would like everyone to honestly assess the number of friends you had in five years ago to the ones you have today and see if we truly are becoming more isolated
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What loneliness is, in the opinion of the common man, it is experiencing? This is when you need someone to talk to, and with whom. There is a desire on someone to take care, not about anyone. A person sees a wall of misunderstanding, but doesn't realize she exists only in his imagination. We must remember that everything is in our hands. If the person is friendly, sociable, open, always seeking to help others, his loneliness will never catch up. It will always require.
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I get your point. We are talking about loneliness as a public health issue affecting the elderly mostly and with the advent of smartphones it is spreading to other age groups. Thank you for stopping by. Hoping to see yoy more on this page.
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Loneliness oftentimes is birthed when one lacks the basic understanding of companionship and when social and interpersonal skills are lacking. Thanks @blessedman939 for this very enlightening piece
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Thank you for your input bro. So how do you tackle this loneliness in the aged?
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Nice one heare sir ,
The mind has been built to be constant communication with the environs.
Alot of people are alone but not lonely,
However the most dangerous state is when you are alone and lonely..
This kind of people dont see anything around worth relating with.
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Wow! Thank you for making that distinction between the two. By every means the latter has to be avoided and if it occurs then a pro active role would suffice.
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Thanks for the enlightenment.
Loneliness may be regarded as the mother of depression. It is necessary for one to address it from the onset as it may lead to deadly consequences.
Loneliness is like cancer, it eats deep into one's Spirit, Soul, and finally the body. God Himself knew the consequences of being lonely, that's why He created Eve as a companion for Adam.
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I totally agree with you, you could not have put it any better.
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Thanks
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