It has been argued in the United States that loneliness should be treated alongside serious public health problems such as obesity and drug addiction.
Vivek Mercy, director of the U.S. Public Health Service Corps (PHSCC) and chief medical officer, said in a recently published report, “The Loneliness and Isolation Epidemic,” that “in recent years, about half of Americans have experienced loneliness.”
According to the studies introduced in the report by Medical Director Mercy, loneliness increased the likelihood of premature death by 26 to 29 percent. This number is equivalent to the risk of premature death for someone who smokes 15 cigarettes per day. In addition, the risk of heart disease increased by 29% and the risk of stroke increased by 32%.
Some studies have linked feelings of isolation to anxiety, depression, and dementia, as well as making people more vulnerable to viral infections and respiratory diseases. In the case of extreme loneliness, a study has also found that academic achievement and work efficiency in everyday life decrease.
Loneliness is also said to cause economic problems. According to a related study, medical services due to the isolation of the elderly account for 6.7 billion dollars (about 8.9766 trillion won) in the US Medicare (medical care insurance for the elderly) annually.
“People may be surprised to learn that social connection increases the risk of premature death to the same level as smoking,” said Mercy, referring to the report while appearing on the BBC on the 2nd (local time). It is a major public health challenge that must now be taken seriously.”
It is said that the problem of loneliness has become more serious after going through the pandemic of the novel coronavirus infection (Corona 19), where traffic between people has decreased.
Mercy also cited a study showing that the size of social networks decreased by an average of 16% between June 2019 and June 2020, when the COVID-19 outbreak was in full swing. At the same time, he emphasized that “a joint effort is needed to ‘sew’ the hole in the social structure.”
Regarding these joint efforts, Mercy said, “The expansion of local community infrastructure, which encompasses programs such as volunteer organizations and sports and religious gatherings, public transportation, housing and education policies, and physical elements such as libraries, parks and playgrounds, is representative.” .
He also advised that a ‘connection-friendly’ public policy should emerge to set a research agenda that bridges the gaps in data on the impact of social isolation. He also insisted on the transparent information disclosure of tech companies and the improvement of the digital environment.
Surgeon General Mercy said spending at least 15 minutes a day with loved ones and staying away from distracting devices while talking to people are effective in removing isolation from daily life.
White House spokeswoman Karin Jean-Pierre explained, “This report was released in celebration of ‘Mental Health Month’ and is part of the Biden administration’s efforts to improve national mental health.”
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.