The growth of social isolation

At some point in the past four weeks, more than 650,000 New Zealanders felt lonely. That statistic may seem high but for 13.6 per cent of the population, it was very real. It’s far worse for the 243,000 who feel lonely all or most of the time. But while many will think this is due to an ageing population, it’s not confined to the elderly or those living alone – those aged 15-24 are the loneliest.

The numbers come from the General Social Survey done by Statistics NZ in 2016 and show that, despite an explosion in social networks such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, people are actually less connected than they were even four years ago. The numbers who reported feeling lonely most or all of the time rose by 70 per cent between 2014 and 2106.

As technology advances, the opportunities to connect with people in our communities become fewer. The bank branch where the teller knew you has closed; business dealings can now be completed online; the postie comes only three times a week; and the supermarket is fast becoming selfservice.

For some, those were the only human interactions in their day. Others may have found themselves cut off from social occasions by a change in circumstances. Perhaps, they recently became a parent, moved to a new town or suffered an injury preventing mobility. They may be a new migrant, or struggling financially and feeling unable to contribute.

We need to be mindful of the people in our communities who are socially isolated, and find ways to help them reconnect. It’s easy to say ‘‘join a club’’ but, for some, it is that first step that is the hardest to take. Social networks such as Neighbourly can help and it could be as easy as organising a catch-up at a local cafe or a walk around the park.

As humans, we are social creatures. While occasionally we may enjoy our own company, we’re not designed to be alone. Loneliness can affect anyone at any age and when it lingers it can develop into social isolation.

Discussions around mental health and depression are well and truly out in the open but loneliness is barely mentioned and is a contributing factor.

If you improve the social connections within your community, you improve its general wellbeing and mental health. Just look at the case of Carrie Merrick, who had been diagnosed with dementia, but after joining a Menzshed became a supervisor within six months.

The shed co-ordinator said there was nothing wrong with Merrick, he’d just been stuck in an apartment, with no friends around, and ‘‘he’d been vegetating basically’’.

‘‘He was an amazing guy who just had such a wealth of knowledge . . . all he needed was some male company, some people who he could share his time with.’’

And that’s what it’s all about – sharing time.