"A measure of loneliness" reveals those experiencing the highest levels
Intense solitude poses threats to health and even I makes one unwell. Federal Family Ministry disclosed that certain populations face this issue more than others. Particularly for the youth, it has exaggerated since the start of the coronavirus crisis.
A recent study, known as Loneliness Barometer, revealed that single parents, older folks, and migrants are prone to experience this predicament more compared to others. This survey was presented in the capital city, Berlin. It relies on data gathered from Socio-Economic Panel between 1992 and 2021.
The study unveiled that 16.4% of single parents felt loneliness in 2021, in contrast to the 10.5% from households without children. The separation between those categories was approximately six points in the preceding years of 2020, 2017, and 2013. The report determined individuals involved in caring as being severely affected by loneliness.
People with migration background, on the other hand, fell victim to loneliness more frequently than others. In 2021, 16.3% of youths aged 18 and older with a migration history admitted to feeling isolated. It was only 9.9% for individuals without such backgrounds.
Federal Family Minister Lisa Paus spoke about the loneliness epidemic. "Many in Germany feel desolate. Loneliness escalated drastically in the course of the pandemic," she shared. On average across the monitored time span, those over 75 tended to be the most lonely, Paus conveyed. In contrast, during the first year of the pandemic, 18-29-year-olds endured more loneliness at 31.8%, compared to the 22.8% for the elderly. Additionally, the Federal Institute for Population Research pointed to a significant issue amongst youngsters.
Researchers from the Socio-Economic Panel monitored the feeling of loneliness for individuals arranged by age, gender, and place of residence; across East and West Germany. The survey participants were aged 18 and above. It's worth pointing out that the most updated data analyzed precedes the coronavirus pandemic. The Family Ministry intends to conduct similar assessments post-2021.
Paus underlined that loneliness is a "pressing concern," which wears down the entire society. The findings established a strong foundation for tackling the problem through precise actions. "We wish to eliminate loneliness as a taboo," reinforced Paus. Within the next few weeks, the governing body will highlight the problem via "specific campaigns," including a campaign week running from June 17th to 23rd and viral clips on social media platforms.
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Pensioners, being part of those identified as particularly vulnerable, often struggle with feelings of loneliness. International migrants, especially youth with migration background, also experience higher levels of loneliness compared to the general population.
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