Loneliness Epidemic, What Can Be Done About It? (children, cause, woman)

[tijlover]

At one time, only the rich could afford a radio in their house, and neighbors would come over and it became a social event. At one time, maybe only 1 wealthy person in the neighborhood had a TV set, so neighbors would come over to socialize, watch TV together.

Today, ride a public bus and what will you see, riders with their faces in their screens. Go to a bar today, and what will you witness: Bar patrons sitting alone, having a drink, and with their faces in their Smartphones.

I'm now beginning to see why I drive by churches today and see so many cars in the parking lot. One last place to connect with people? I'm an Atheist and I'm considering joining a church just for the Loneliness factor.

[elnina]

No friends, no hobbies, no neighbors in community you live? Maybe join a club - play cards or board games, read and discuss books or movies, ride a bike, hike....
Visit an animal shelter - befriend a dog, volunteer, and talk with the staff. Same with veteran organizations, nursing homes, senior centers, adult day care...
What about the retirement community where you live? No club house and activities?
There are so many things one can do and not feel bored or lonely.

[tijlover]

I'm not one of the lonelier ones, I just brought this up as I've been wading thru some Youtube video's on the Loneliness Epidemic. Loneliness is not confined to senior citizens, it afflicts the young as well as the old.

I live in a 55+ community and I have a few I would call friends, but I'm thinking of expanding my horizons rather than just meeting up with senior citizens in my community.

But I've encountered a number of lonely people.

The last boardgame meeting I organized in my 55+ community ended up in a screaming match, and came close to violence. You do know the cycle of life, diapers to diapers, seniors are nothing more than older children. One woman was convinced we were ganging up on her, she'd get very close to entering her home stretch playing Aggravation, and just as she'd try to enter, one or other of us would knock her off and send her back to Base 1. She threw a hissy fit like you wouldn't believe, screaming and yelling and storming off telling us she'd never play with us again, and another sided with her and joined her. End of the board game meetings. These were women in their late 60's and 70's.

[Mikala43]

Phones are awesome. It stops all those people who try and chat with me, before phones, I used a book for the same thing.

[KaraG]

I do agree that churches are a great place for community and long lasting relationships. There's usually different ways you can serve and that's an even better way to connect with people with the same interests.

I think it's good for parents to ensure their children are involved in activities and groups as they're growing up. I have two nephews who were never encouraged to do sports, church, music or clubs. They lead very lonely lives now as adults.

I also think the Covid shutdowns isolated a lot of people who now may find it harder to get involved with others.

[Deserterer]

Modern industrial life is the cause, and the rise of social media exacerbates it. Oh sure there are some people who would find it hard to "socialize" at all without social media, but its mostly a poor substitute for real social life.



https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2...-of-loneliness


In the past we didn't have to make an effort to get out and socialize because we were already living with people and depended on others more than we do today. So now we have to make an effort to go out and create a social life by whatever means, whereas before it came to us.