Loneliness: A Global Health Concern
By John Smith, Senior Health Correspondent
The World Health Organization has recently raised the alarm on the widespread issue of isolation, linking it to various health risks. According to their findings, people who experience loneliness are at a higher risk of developing health problems comparable to those of heavy smokers. To address this pressing concern, the WHO has appointed a special commission led by the US Surgeon General and Vivek Murthy to further investigate the effects of isolation. One of their key observations is that isolation can significantly increase the likelihood of developing dementia and heart disease.
This issue is particularly prevalent among the elderly and is more common in developed countries. However, in today’s global society, people of all ages are experiencing loneliness, including younger individuals and children. Many individuals, engrossed in their professional lives, are unaware of the impact of their isolation, only realizing it post-retirement when they feel abandoned and alone. Even those with many social connections may still feel lonely, as these connections often lack depth, leaving individuals unable to share their worries or joys with others.
While the rise of smartphones and social media has increased connectivity, it has paradoxically exacerbated loneliness, as genuine human interaction remains unmatched. This is evidenced by the isolation experienced even by wealthy and famous individuals, such as Lady Gaga, Brad Pitt, and Madonna. Despite the presence of various communication channels, a lack of meaningful connections persists. It is widely believed that individuals who are good listeners and display quiet, calm behavior do not experience much loneliness. However, this may not always be the case, highlighting the complexity of human interactions and their impact on loneliness.
According to the WHO, not only is isolation a significant concern, but there are varying levels of it, commonly mistaken for solitude. While society often undervalues introspection and inner thinking, it can act as an antidote to loneliness, offering a new perspective on life. Exploring philosophies and engaging in deep reading can provide a renewed sense of direction, making solitude an enriching experience.
In the literary world, Anton Chekhov’s story ‘Bet’ illustrates the transformative power of solitude. The protagonist, isolated for 15 years, undergoes a profound change through intellectual engagement and wisdom. This showcases the potential of overcoming loneliness through introspection and knowledge-seeking, as seen in various historical and literary examples. There are numerous avenues, from social organizations to spiritual and political groups, that individuals can explore to combat loneliness and find meaningful connections.
Turning to the popular English proverb, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” individuals are encouraged to approach loneliness with optimism and seek understanding of life and self. Meditation is highlighted as a beneficial practice to address and alleviate loneliness.
The World Health Organization recently identified isolation as a global health problem. The World Health Organization also said that those who experience loneliness may have the same health problems as those who smoke 15 cigarettes a day. The commission also appointed a commission headed by the US Surgeon General and Vivek Murthy of Indian origin to study the effects of isolation. The main observation of the World Health Organization is that isolation increases the risk of dementia and heart disease.
Isolation is most severe in old age. It is more common in developed countries. But today, in all parts of the world, a good percentage of people experience loneliness. The strange fact is that young people and children are among them. Many people get so busy with their professional lives that they don’t realize the impact of loneliness. After retirement, they begin to think that no one is with them.
Even people with many social connections can feel lonely at times. The problem here is that although there are connections, they are superficial. There are people who are unable to share with others what worries them or even the events that bring them joy.
With the rise of smartphones and social media, people are spending more time on them, increasing isolation. Even celebrities with multi-billion dollar fortunes and worldwide fans still suffer from loneliness. Many famous celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Brad Pitt and Madonna are among them. There is social media, WhatsApp and other methods, but nothing comes close to the interaction between two people. In general, it is said that people who speak quietly and are willing to listen to others do not experience much loneliness. But this may not be true. Nevertheless, our behavior towards others is one of the things that keeps loneliness at stake.
We have already said that isolation is the biggest villain, but there is another level of isolation. Level of isolation or isolation. Loneliness and solitude are often used interchangeably, but there is a fundamental difference between them. Man is a social being. Social approval, praise, sharing and love are things we like. Even the things that are often not liked and that have to be done in accordance with the social system are facts that indicate the interest of the people in the society. We find ourselves rejoicing in praise and crying out in condemnation.
India is a society where it is generally accepted that thinking is what makes a man better. So many philosophers and thinkers have been born and bred on this earth. Inner thinking, that thinking of knowing and understanding ourselves, is an antidote to loneliness. Today it is a very professional society. An informed society. But many have very little knowledge in areas beyond their professions. It doesn’t matter if they are blamed for it. Because there is no time to work. Meanwhile, there is no time to read and deeply understand visions and philosophies. But reading about the philosophies of life and the views of the great masters can give a new sense of direction. Solitude is enjoyable and makes you look at life from a different angle.
Many people must have read the story ‘Bet’ written by the world famous Russian author, Anton Chekhov. The plot revolves around a bet between a bank tycoon and a young lawyer. The banker tells the lawyer that he will pay a large sum of money if he stays alone in a room for 15 years. In the heat of his youth, the lawyer agrees. At first, the lawyer suffered from depression. Cries and groans rose from the room. The books were arriving in the lawyer’s room. More and more books. Finally, the lawyer changes significantly.
The wisdom he gathers through books fills him with a new spirit to prevent loneliness. He transforms into a new man. A great metamorphosis. He escapes from the room on the last day of his betting period, not wanting the money he would have received. He had changed in a way that money did not attract. There are many examples of this in Indian history. The strength gathered by Valmiki, who closes himself in the abyss of solitude, is evident in the original poem Ramayana itself. If loneliness becomes a problem for you, there are many ways to overcome it.
From social service organisations, playgrounds and clubs to spiritual and political societies, the answer is there. But if loneliness bothers you, remember an English proverb. If Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade. If life gives you lemons, make lime juice. The essence of this is to live with optimism by making positive the shortcomings that come in life. If loneliness stays with you, don’t be afraid of it and search for the meaning of life and yourself. That meditation will surely do good.
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