Loneliness and social isolation

Loneliness and social isolation

At some point in our lives, most of us will experience periods of loneliness, evidenced by a withdrawal from family, friends and the wider society. Active involvement and participation in different social settings are known to have health and wellbeing benefits yet, globally, there are growing concerns about the rate and consequences of loneliness, especially among the older generation. In recent years, demographic shifts suggest that the number of people experiencing loneliness are likely to increase in line with an ageing population and those who live alone, as both are at higher risk of social isolation. It’s been stated that loneliness is a difficult concept. If it’s simply an emotion we experience, it’s often hidden. 

In spring 2020, at the emergence of COVID-19 crisis, the UK government stated that people over the age of 70 and clinically vulnerable individuals, are considered a high-risk group and should, therefore, self-isolate for circa 12 weeks. This was confirmed by a letter and/or phone call from the NHS. 

However, many people, who live alone and are reliant on their families and friends for social contact in their everyday lives, reacted to this with mixed emotions. Some developed anxieties and started to experience a deep sense of loneliness when asked to instantaneously withdraw from their social groups or other establishments.

Feeling lonely is something not many of us do admit to, fearing it could be interpreted as a sign of weakness, but since the enforced social isolation, more people have started to talk more openly about it. The emotional effects of being isolated and being suddenly removed from their social groups, friends and loved ones, can cause deep negative emotions that can lead to depression. 

Being lonely influences our lives and in an effort to address the health risks of loneliness and reduce the effects of social isolation, 2018 saw the launch of a UK loneliness strategy and the first Minister for Loneliness appointed. It is important to acknowledge and recognise that loneliness is experienced by all age groups, especially today’s young adults, and that gaps remain in our understanding of loneliness and its effect on an individual’s health and wellbeing. 

As individuals, we all have a natural, psychological need to socially belong, enabling us to have a positive sense of self-worth and help us cope with challenges in our personal lives. Most of us appreciate and value social interaction, which for many is achieved through touch, creativity, intellectual stimuli, debates, laughter, support, genuine friendships and love.

As the government introduces the easing of some restrictions, enabling some semblance of 'normal' life, it is vital is to remain positive and optimistic. However, many elders and those within the 'at-risk' group may find their self-confidence and motivation to re- integrate back into the public domain challenged. Fear of the unknown of what our post-lockdown life might look like will find many struggling after the enforced isolation over the next few weeks. 

Whilst acknowledging that technology has helped us connect during this pandemic and that the virtual world may become the future of communication for many, it can never replace the human element of social interaction or provide the solution to combatting loneliness. A proffered arm, touch and handholding is for many still the way to overcome loneliness, offering emotional closeness and companionship.