According to a recent World Health Organisation (WHO) report, the startling fact that one in six people worldwide is affected by loneliness, and that the condition is related to an estimated hundred deaths every hour, serves to be an eye-opener of sorts. Rather than being regarded as a statistic of the happenings, the data proffered calls for integrating a humanitarian approach into the analysis of the numerical information to ameliorate the lives of people affected.

WHO defines loneliness as "the painful feeling that arises from a gap between desired and actual social connections, while social isolation refers to the objective lack of sufficient social connections." The epidemic of loneliness and isolation is a global phenomenon. The desire for social connection is a basic, universal human need. When this need is not met or satisfied, one is likely to experience loneliness.

As a common problem, loneliness in older adults is a significant concern. According to experts, loneliness is a complex and multifaceted emotional state characterised by a perceived lack of meaningful social connections or relationships. It is known to manifest in different ways. Almost all feelings of loneliness have social and emotional factors attributed to them.

As a post-retirement 'dilemma' for those who experience a gradual shrinking of their social circles, which were largely work-based, coming to terms with their 'inactive' lives has indeed been an onerous task. It is, however, difficult to comprehend how a socially active person during their working days suddenly turns into a recluse as soon as they retire from active service. Having enough time in hand and not being able to utilise it properly has been a definite setback for people in their early old age.

Hence, for such people, coping with time can present significant challenges, often stemming from a combination of physical, mental, and social changes associated with ageing.

Although loneliness is not a mental health issue in itself, mental health problems, particularly depression and social anxiety, can cause loneliness. People of all ages need meaningful connections. Having the friendship and support we need is a fundamental part of our well-being, and when loneliness becomes entrenched in later life, it can be the hardest to overcome.

It is, however, the observation that the highest rate of loneliness was reported among adolescents and young adults, which gives one much food for thought. Loneliness has become a primary contemporary public health concern. The most vulnerable are young adults aged 16-24.

Adolescence and young adulthood are crucial periods for identity formation and social development. In this age, when possibilities for connection are endless, the conclusion that more and more youngsters are finding themselves isolated and lonely completely undermines the assumption that it is mostly the aged and elderly who suffer from the pangs of loneliness.

Although social media serves as a means to help people stay connected with each other, over-reliance on digital communication can sometimes exacerbate feelings of loneliness. The type of camaraderie that modern-day youth exhibit through various avenues, such as social media, shared hobbies, and common experiences, fostering both casual and close-knit friendships, should have made loneliness a non-existent factor for them. But how steadfast are friendships shaped by digital platforms and evolving social landscapes?

The suggestion that peer competition and parental pressure are primarily the reasons for the 'aloofness' shown by youngsters towards anything beyond their academic curriculum cannot be overlooked. With students goaded on by their parents to attain academic excellence even before they have learnt to wipe their noses, the 'plight' of the youngsters is quite evident.

Rather than understanding the benefits of friendships in academic settings, the children are compelled to travel a solo path, which demands a strong academic focus. It is also observed that parents can inadvertently contribute to their children's loneliness through various behaviours and circumstances. This is especially true for working parents. In such cases, 'lack of time' as that common phrase has come to haunt millions of homes where children are afforded everything but parental care, leading to depression and loneliness among them at a very young age.

Divorces and separations between parents have not been less merciful on children either. It is common knowledge that children from broken homes are at a higher risk of experiencing loneliness and its associated negative impacts. The absence of a stable, nurturing family environment can disrupt a child's social and emotional development.

Similarly, introverted children may also experience loneliness due to a misunderstanding of their needs and a lack of social inclusion. Parents tend to overlook these disturbing facts, attributing them to simple cases of childhood loneliness, assuming that their children will pick up the nuances of healthy relationship building as they grow. The problem is far more serious than they think!

Acknowledging that addressing loneliness in young people necessitates a multifaceted approach, the WHO proposes framing it as a public health issue and promoting social connection as a global priority.

Let us not forget that humans are social animals.