Generation Z (ages 18-22) had the highest loneliness scores, followed by the millennials (ages 23-37). The Greatest Generation (adults ages 72 and older) were the least lonely. Lonely people are less able to pick up on positive social stimuli, like others’ attention and commitment signals, so they withdraw prematurely – in many cases before they’re actually socially isolated.

Young and lonely

People who are less lonely are more likely to have regular, meaningful, in-person interactions. They are in good overall physical and mental health, have achieved balance in daily activities,  and have good relationships with their coworkers. Regular <a href="https://psychcentral.com/sleep/">sleep</a>, good quality family time and the right amount of exercise lowered loneliness scores.

Antidotes to loneliness

Most people consider loneliness a personal problem to be figured out by individuals. However, a paper published in the American Journal of Public Health identified high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, disability, cognitive decline, and <a href="https://psychcentral.com/depression/">depression</a> among the conditions affected by loneliness. What we have is a public health problem.No emerging technology or drug exists on the horizon to cure loneliness.

A public health problem

Among the theories on why there is more loneliness today is more time online and less time in front of people. However, levels of in-person interactions, physical and mental wellness and life balance are more likely to predict loneliness than social media usage.

Don’t blame social media

Those who say they work just the right amount are least likely to be lonely. Both working too much and not enough, increase loneliness scores.

Loneliness and the workplace

Most people consider loneliness a "personal problem," to be figured out by individuals. However, the complications arising from loneliness impact our health care system, using tax dollars for health care providers and facilities. Research has consistently associated loneliness with different kinds of disease and premature mortality.