At a video conference on Friday 7 February, the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) presented the findings of its new study, entitled ‘Loneliness in Europe – Determinants, Risks and Interventions’.
The result of three years’ research, the book shows that 13% of Europeans surveyed feel lonely very often or all the time, and 36% at least occasionally.
“This affects not only the elderly, but also the younger generations”, stressed Michaela Saisana, head of the JRC, pointing out that ‘generation Z’ (15-30 year-olds) was particularly affected. A trend exacerbated by their strong presence on social networks.
Overall, the study reveals marked socio-economic disparities, with migrants, people from sexual minorities and people with disabilities being more vulnerable.
Loneliness also appears to be a public health problem, since isolated people are 22% more likely to develop a chronic disease.
The JRC encouraged public authorities and non-governmental organisations to become fully involved in this cause, arguing that the most isolated “rely more on local and national authorities to alleviate their loneliness” than on those around them.
To see the full study: https://aeur.eu/f/fek (Original version in French by Justine Manaud)