So, why have we become so antisocial? Maybe
it’s because we tend to travel more than we
used to? Perhaps it’s because our houses have
fences, or even because of modern inventions
like televisions and phones? What do you
think?
We do seem to have become more private.
Our local communities don’t seem to be as
important for many of us as they have been in
the past. Lots of people don’t know the names
of the people who live next door to them.
This seems strange because on the surface it
appears as if our lives are more connected
than ever before. Think about it though, being
connected by technology is definitely not as
good as actually being with someone. Despite
social media putting us in contact with lots of
‘friends’, online connections don’t actually give
us what we need as humans. We need to
actually be around people – to see them, give
them a hug or a smile. That’s what lonely
people crave.
The reality is that right now, someone in your
community is sitting alone and wishing they
had someone to be with or talk to. A
government survey suggested that 200,000
older people had not had a conversation with
a friend or family member for more than a
month 5 . That’s too long.
Although it’s not clear exactly how many
elderly people will spend this Christmas alone,
it is thought that the number will be
somewhere between 230,000 and 450,000 6 .
That’s a lot of lonely people. I don’t think
anyone should have to spend Christmas alone
if they don’t want to.
What can we do about it?
like bingo, and not every old man likes war
stories!
With that in mind, here are a few ideas:
1 Talk to your parents/carers and discuss how
you might be able to help.
2 Your contribution might be very small. That
person who is always looking out of their
window might be doing that because they
are lonely. Maybe you could give them a wave
or a smile as you go past, or say hello when
you see them out and about? Always check
with an adult before speaking to
strangers.
3 Perhaps your school could team up with a
local branch of Age Concern, or the Campaign
to End Loneliness and start an
intergenerational project or activity – how
about a skill swap? These can benefit
everyone!
4 Remember, young people can be lonely
too. If you notice that someone is regularly
alone at school, why not take a few minutes
to get to know them – you never know, it
might make their day!
If we could all find a little kindness in our
hearts, a little moment in our busy lives to
reach out to people who live so close but feel
so far away, would we still have lonely people?
Maybe, mental wellness can be a complicated
problem to solve, but it certainly couldn’t hurt.
1. An epidemic is a quick spread of
2. Labour Force Survey, Office for National
3. Aged 16-24
4. https://www.iflscience.com/brain/
disease within a short time
Statistics
loneliness-for-long-periods-of-time-
actually-changes-our-brain-chemistry-/
Firstly, if you decide you want to help lonely
people that’s wonderful, but it’s important not
to do anything on your own. Always keep
yourself safe by involving an adult you trust.
Secondly, remember that everyone is different.
Some people like being alone, so double check
with them before you rush in. Not all old ladies
5.
Jo Cox Loneliness Commission/Tracey
Crouch – Government Lead on
Loneliness
6.
Age UK, 2013
An iNcReAsInGlY
InTeRcOnNeCtEd wOrLd?