Many people aged 60 and over suffer from loneliness.
In total, this is about a quarter, shows a new survey from the Public Health Agency.
– Loneliness is a common problem worldwide, says Hillevi Busch, investigator at the authority.
In Sweden, loneliness is most common in older age groups, but also among younger people, single households, people with disabilities and those who are unemployed and on sick leave, shows a new survey from the Public Health Agency.
In the review, it appears that a quarter, 26 percent, in the age group 60 years and older have moderate problems with loneliness. Eight percent of the elderly reported serious complaints.
– It is sometimes claimed that Sweden is the “loneliest country in the world”, but the fact that we have more single-person households than many other countries does not automatically mean that we in Sweden generally feel more alone. Loneliness is a common problem worldwide, says Hillevi Busch, investigator at the Public Health Agency in one press release.
According to the report, there is a clear connection between loneliness and mental and physical ill-health as well as suicidal thoughts. At the same time, a connection is also drawn to loneliness and increased mortality.
A national strategy must be drawn up
The Public Health Agency believes that loneliness is a danger to public health and a national strategy must now be drawn up to prevent the isolation of Swedes and increase community.
– Both research and Swedish surveys show the clear connection between loneliness and ill health. For example, prolonged loneliness can contribute to depression and cardiovascular disease. It is worrying, and important to try to change, says Hillevi Busch.
In various parts of Sweden, initiatives are already underway to break loneliness, in the form of meeting places and social activities. But also investments in discussion groups and support lines.
The survey is part of a national strategy to combat involuntary loneliness that will be presented on February 1, 2025.