The Aging Problem We Don't Talk About
Is loneliness a public health issue?
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.
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?