In a time of almost ubiquitous digital connection and constant availability more and more people are reporting chronic or at least sporadic feelings of loneliness and social isolation. This is such a pressing matter that the British Government appointed the world’s first Minister for loneliness in 2018. However this is not an issue unique to the the United Kingdom. Many countries are facing problems due to the increased prevalence of loneliness in the population, with high proportions of people all over the world reporting feeling lonely sometimes, often, or even all of the time.
Loneliness also doesn’t seem to discriminate when it comes to age. What many think of being a problem that mainly arises in higher age, seems to be present in the lives of many middle-aged and young people too. Some sources even indicate, that there is an increase of loneliness especially in young people. Others suggest that there is an increase in loneliness in people between 30 and 70 years of age.
The presence of loneliness in different age groups is especially alarming considering the association of it with a large number of negative health outcomes. Feelings of loneliness are connected to worse emotional wellbeing and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, burnout syndrome, substance abuse, eating disorders and suicidal ideation. There is even research suggesting the odds of developing depression is doubled in adults that report feeling lonely often.
Loneliness is not only related to worse emotional wellbeing but also to negative physical outcomes. Perceived or actual social isolation are also associated with physical health issues like cardiovascular disease, stroke, higher mortality, type 2 diabetes and cancer.
In summary loneliness can affect people of all ages, especially young people and can have far reaching consequences for their wellbeing. Anyone can benefit mentally and physically from having enough meaningful connections with people that they share common interests with.
Therefore in an age of growing loneliness and disconnect our mission at Vivamos is to provide a space for people to forge high quality social interactions. That's why we built a platform for our users to find their people based on common interests and activities in a real-life setting. With this we hope to facilitate a communal solution to an all too common problem. Think of it as a Ministry of connection!
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