Recent research conducted by the European Commission has shed light on a concerning issue in Ireland: loneliness. The study has revealed that a staggering 20% of people in Ireland report feeling lonely most or all of the time, a figure significantly higher than the European Union (EU) average of 13%.
This increase in loneliness is attributed to adverse mental and physical effects of social isolation, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings have prompted the Loneliness Taskforce to call for enhanced support services for individuals grappling with loneliness, emphasizing that it can lead to poor mental health and often serves as a precursor to depression.
Among the organizations advocating for change is the charity ALONE, which supports older people. Sean Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, stresses the importance of state protection for the most vulnerable. He highlights the need for targeted interventions to reduce loneliness across all age groups.
As Ireland grapples with this loneliness epidemic, there is a growing recognition of the need for immediate action and support services to address this pressing issue.