“Loneliness is an emotional state that arises from not having the desired sufficient meaningful connections with others – those people you could rely on in time of need”

• Research shows that the quality and quantity of our social relationships link to physical health and life expectancy. Studies show the long-term harm caused by loneliness is similar to smoking or obesity, shortening a life span by 15 years, and that social isolation is associated with a 50% increased likelihood of developing dementia.
• The global pandemic has deepened an ‘epidemic of loneliness’ with psychologists concerned that young adults are the hardest hit.
• Globally researchers are talking about what they call a ‘friendship recession’.
• And, markets are responding with the rise of the ‘loneliness economy’, stepping in with substitutes where people can’t achieve a real human connection (pets, networking sites, streaming services, sex robots)
• The following data comes from our nationwide survey that was conducted in February this year. The results are bleak.

For more information on these insights contact liz@researchfirst.co.nz