Loneliness is a Global Health Concern
Make this your World Love Forum - share ways we can innovate to solve this problem.
Dear Friends,
Implementing love as a public health intervention will not only help reduce violence and emotional distress, it can also help address the large-scale levels of loneliness experienced by people around the world.
Details of the the issue and implications such as increased risk of dementia, and increased risk of coronary heart disease, can be found in this article in the Guardian.
WHO Declares Loneliness a Global Health Concern
Love, in its various facets, is one answer to this problem, as at its core is genuine human connection.
I invite you to please share in the comments below, practical ways that we as a society and as individuals can help reduce loneliness in the world.
What do you see around you that is already working - to reduce loneliness?
What might be low-hanging fruit and quick wins that help us help people form more genuine bonds and meaningful connections?
Loneliness is indeed a significant issue, especially for older people. I live in Australia but am of Indian descent. When I visit India each year, I’m struck by how much connection and community exist there. Older people rarely feel neglected, as they often have family, neighbors, and even maids or houseworkers providing them with companionship.
In contrast, Western culture places a strong emphasis on individualism, which can sometimes lead to isolation. It’s a growing concern that deserves more attention. Thank you for bringing up this important topic in your post.
I live in Sydney, in a quieter part near the bay. I like walking and always make a point of greeting and making eye contact with people I pass. Takes so litttle to make someones day a little brighter with a smile.
Getting to know my neighbours is also something I like to do when I move into a new place.