The UK already has ministers of digital and creative industries (also known as government officials) and ministers of disabilities. Now, this country can list a lonely minister.
There is a sense of loneliness that affects about 13% of Americans. (Source: splendens / iStock / GettyImages) On Wednesday, British Prime Minister Theresa May issued a statement saying: "I want to face this for our society and all of us. Challenge to take action to solve the loneliness of the elderly, carers, and lost loved ones - those who have no one to talk to or share their thoughts and experiences. "
As reported by NPR, there are more than 9 million people in the UK ( About 14% of the total) "Always or often feel lonely", and "about 200,000 seniors have not talked to friends or relatives for more than a month."
US statistics are equally amazing: about 42 According to the Lonely Study of the American Association of Retired Persons, Americans over the age of 45 - or 13% of the population - suffer from chronic autism. A study by the American Psychological Association in 2017 found that loneliness significantly increased the risk of premature death, making it as deadly as obesity, and greater social relationships reduced this risk by about 50%.
The study author, Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, warns that loneliness is a public health threat. “As the population ages, the impact on public health is expected to increase,” she said. In fact, many countries in the world are now suggesting that we are facing a “lonely epidemic.” The challenge we are facing now is what we can do. “
Although there is a US Senate Special Committee on Ageing And the aging government, both of which involve the idea of combating loneliness, an article in the 2016 "Washington Post" pointed out that "many researchers believe that the United States has not taken adequate measures to address public health issues in addressing loneliness." The staff suggested looking for the UK's national end of the loneliness movement, established in 2011, in order to get inspiration.
In 2017, after the British congressman Jo Cox was murdered, the British government also established Jo.Cox Solitary Committee. This is the idea of C to establish a lonely minister.
The newly appointed Minister Tracy Crouch said in a statement: "I am honored to be able to advance Joe Cox, the excellent work done by the Foundation. I believe that in the House of Representatives With the support of volunteers, activists, businesses and parliamentarians, we can make significant progress in defeating loneliness. "
Whether loneliness can really be defeated remains to be seen, but the British are definitely moving towards the right A step in the direction.
What do you think?
Should the United States take more measures to fight loneliness and social isolation? Do you think our government will create a lonely secretary? Please tell us low in the comments!
