Swedish city has a recipe against loneliness
It is not only in industrialized countries that loneliness is spreading like an epidemic. The Swedish town of Luleå is now offering its residents a low-threshold and effective measure to combat this.
The Swedish city of Luleå, with a population of around 80,000, is so far north that people there get very little sunlight in the winter months. Because the average temperature is also minus ten degrees, there are fewer opportunities to meet up by chance. This has an impact on the mental health of many, who huddle in their homes and complain of growing feelings of loneliness.
This winter, the city launched a campaign to lift the spirits of its residents. "There is something we can all do to create a more pleasant Luleå," the city wrote on social media. In fact, it suggests something that seems very simple, namely greeting each other.
The campaign "Säg hej", which can be translated as "Say hello", began on October 31 and is set to last four weeks. This day is not only Halloween, but also "Neighbor's Day" in Sweden. A film accompanying the campaign shows a man walking past a woman on a park bench and saying "hej". The woman does not react at first, but later smiles. Later, the woman also says "hej" to an elderly woman. The elderly lady doesn't react at first either, but then smiles. The message is: "Your hello can make a difference."
Loneliness increases the risk of death
In mid-November, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that it was beginning research into how social contact can be promoted as a contribution to good health. People without strong social contacts are exposed to a higher risk of strokes, anxiety disorders, dementia, depression and suicide. The risk of premature death for lonely people is even as high as or higher than the risk of death from tobacco consumption, obesity or air pollution.
Social isolation is not just a phenomenon among older people in rich countries, the WHO reported. People of all ages in many countries suffer from having little contact with friends and relatives. According to studies, 5 to 15 percent of adolescents worldwide are affected, and a quarter of older people. These estimates are probably still too low. Over the next three years, the new commission is to develop plans on how social contacts can be promoted in countries of all income levels. It will also investigate the influence of good social ties on the economic and social development of societies.
The international community is taking notice of the impact of loneliness on mental health, much like in Sweden's Luleå. The city's "Säg hej" campaign encourages residents to combat loneliness through simple greetings, highlighting the power of personal connections in promoting well-being. This approach to personal development, rooted in psychology, aligns with the World Health Organization's ongoing research into the benefits of strong social connections for overall health.
Source: www.ntv.de
