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Lonely Life Facts
We all experience loneliness at times. Loneliness is not just being alone, it’s the sense that we’re lacking the social connections we need... even when we're around others.
Generally, there are four main types of loneliness:
- 'Existential loneliness' is the despair of not knowing ourselves.
- 'Intimate loneliness' is the longing for a partner with whom you share a deep bond.
- 'Social loneliness' is the need for quality friendships.
- 'Collective loneliness' is the yearning for a community or network of like-minded people.
Loneliness is a Signal
Loneliness is the sense that we’re lacking the social connections we need. Loneliness is written into the script of life but what is not normal is when we don't respond to this as a signal to reconnect to ourselves and others. Interestingly, research suggests that loneliness is at an all time high and 'Community Connectedness' is at an all time low (Australian Personal Wellbeing Index, 2022).
Loneliness is a Killer
Since we’re social creatures, if this loneliness signal is not acknowledged and acted on, it will have a dramatic effect on our physical and mental health.
For example, loneliness may make us more prone to depression, dementia, stroke and obesity. Studies have shown that it is the equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes a day or drinking 6 alcoholic drinks a day. In short, loneliness can take about 15 years off your life.
Loneliness is an Epidemic
Loneliness affects about 1 in 2 Americans, more than any other time in history. According to several recent surveys, less than 40 percent have said that they felt very connected to others.
“Given the profound consequences of loneliness and isolation, we have an opportunity, an obligation, to make the same investments in addressing social connection that we have made in addressing tobacco use, obesity and the addiction crisis” - U.S. Surgeon General's Report 2023: Our Epidemic of Loneliness & Isolation
Loneliness Hits Adults Hard
Loneliness affects 1 in 3 adult Australians. Contrary to typical stereotypes, younger embedded people are lonelier than older isolated people, with those aged 18 to 24, and 35 to 54 (particularly men) report feeling the most loneliest.
What Can You Do?
- Go offline and spend more time in face-to-face relationships
- Reconnect with old friends, it's never too late to reach out
- Build more meaningful connections in the community
- Move the conversation from small talk to soul talk
- Do our government-funded Community Connections Course and become a Community Connector!
“I’m more patient, assisting my relationships to explore their passions. I’m more connected to others.” - Robert, Community Connector
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You can do it... become a Community Connector!
Fact is, it's easy to gossip, blame or judge when the people concerned aren't around. This is communication junk food i.e. projection, time wasting or potentially divisive. Soul talk, however, takes a very different approach, equipping you to connect with yourself and others in deeper ways.
Community Connectors are simply skilled friends who have learnt how to connect & listen to others without shutting the other person down. People who can make the community they live in a better place and impact a lonely world.
“I'm more understanding and focused on my open communication with family and friends.” - Sue, Community Connector