INDIANA — A recent poll reveals that more than 80% of American adults find the cost of groceries to be their top financial stressor. In response, a grocery store CEO shared tips on how to save money at any market. This advice comes as two major, and often interconnected, issues continue to affect Americans: financial anxiety and a growing “century of solitude.”
The Loneliness Epidemic
Loneliness was classified as an epidemic by former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy in 2023, and new data from Gallup indicates the problem persists. One in five American adults reported feeling lonely “a lot of the day yesterday,” a phenomenon exacerbated by a shift toward prioritizing solo time and increased digital interaction.
Experts emphasize that social connection is as vital as food and water, and the side effects of loneliness and isolation are severe. They are linked to higher risks of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, addiction, dementia, self-harm, and suicide.
Challenges to Connection
Several factors are contributing to this “crisis of connection”:
- Technology’s Role: With the rise of social media and artificial intelligence, some people are opting for digital interactions over in-person connections. This trend is particularly notable among young people, who are forming unhealthy attachments to celebrities.
- “Boy Culture”: Dr. Niobe Way, a professor of developmental psychology at New York University, notes that as boys grow older, they are often socialized to disconnect from their emotional intelligence. As a result, less than half of men report being happy with their friendships in adulthood.
- The “Collapse of Third Places”: Adults are finding it more challenging than ever to make friends due to the decline of community hubs like public parks, town squares, and libraries. The “culture of convenience,” where needs can be met with a few clicks, further reduces opportunities for human interaction.
Despite these challenges, some are finding creative solutions. A group of 90-year-olds, for example, started a podcast to combat their loneliness. Additionally, “social prescribing”—a healthcare referral for community activities rather than medication—is being explored as a way to improve both physical and mental health.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available. You can dial or text 988 for free and confidential support.
Information: CNN.
