People often think older people are lonely. Maybe their husband or wife has passed away and they live alone, and their age means they can’t get around like they used to.

Research has shown that loneliness is bad for our health. Though we think older people are more lonely, this might not actually be true. Teenagers and young adults were more lonely. Based on 70 studies, there were stronger risks of loneliness-related illness for under-65s than over-65s. Also, the US National Social Life, Health and Ageing Project states that just 30 percent of older adults often feel lonely. Older adults should not be the only focus of the effects of loneliness and social isolation(孤立). We need to address this for all ages.

Being lonely and being alone are two different things. While older people might be alone much of the time, this doesn’t mean they are unhappy about it. In fact, people can feel lonely when they’re surrounded by others. Many lonely people are also married.

It is well known that things like alcohol, diet, smoking, and air pollution can contribute to us living shorter lives. But it’s important not to overlook(忽略) loneliness as something that can be harmful for both our psychological and physical well-being too.