Next Avenue Logo
Advertisement

The Aging Problem We Don't Talk About

Is loneliness a public health issue?

By Bryce Kirchoff

It's arguably never been a better time to grow old. Life expectancy rates are increasing; encore careers are booming; and there is a wealth of information on how adults can lead safer, healthier and more financially secure lives.

But what if our plans to live longer, better lives are missing something significant: the prospect of loneliness?

This video, shared by Channel 4 News in the UK, reveals how crushing a sense of isolation can be for older adults.

Advertisement

The Campaign to End Loneliness charity estimates that one million citizens in the UK suffer from loneliness. The charity's leaders point to research showing that isolation can negatively affect other health conditions and are calling for it to be treated as a public health issue.

What do you think?

Bryce Kirchoff has produced web and social media campaigns for organizations at all levels of the media industry and also has experience launching community engagement initiatives, building websites and crafting social campaigns. He holds a master’s of science degree in New Media Management from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and lives in Los Angeles. Read More
Advertisement
Next Avenue LogoMeeting the needs and unleashing the potential of older Americans through media
©2024 Next AvenuePrivacy PolicyTerms of Use
A nonprofit journalism website produced by:
TPT Logo