When it comes to building relationships and feelings of belonging, places where people can meet and connect with each other are crucial. Transport, physical spaces – such as libraries and high streets – and digital spaces can all enable us to do this.
And although public awareness of loneliness and social isolation has increased in recent years, much of the narrative tends to focus on people in later life. However, loneliness is an issue that can affect young and old alike. Not only does this narrative risk deepening the fear and stigma of growing older, but it stops us finding solutions that can work at every age.
If we’re to tackle loneliness, policies need to shift from focusing on just older people to a better understanding of how loneliness affects us all across society.
