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WHAT/WHY?

Since loneliness is by definition a mental condition, this suggests that one of the better ways for us to combat loneliness is not by increasing social interaction, but by targeting the negative thoughts/mindset behind loneliness in the first place. This approach was confirmed with our findings that similar to the meta-analysis of interventions, the most effective way to reduce the negative effects of social isolation are to work on teaching mental ways of coping such as empathy, mindfulness, etc (Novotney). These practices allow for individuals to feel more secure in their individuality and social isolation, helping to reduce the effects of loneliness without the potential negative effects of decreasing social isolation.

HOW?

Cooperation with local community medical homes, health centers, and nursing homes to lead mindfulness practices would be one way to help address this issue in the present moment. However, we want to make sure that our interventions address the issue wholistically and in the long term. Most mental health issues do not arise spontaneously, but begin from an earlier age in life and then resurface due to lack of treatment or focus on resolving those issues. This means on the intervention level, these well-being practices should be implemented as early as possible in order to prevent lifelong issues (Hawkley et. al). Our recommendation would be advocating and encouraging for such mental health practices on a national level within the public school system, in order to maximize the number of individuals it reaches. Ideally these would be implemented as early as possible, with concepts increasing in complexity until children reach high school and the issue is taught head on. As to what exact methods/concepts would be taught, that would require an expert to testify on those matters, but that is exactly what would be needed next. As a group, we believe that this intervention would be successful in the long term with expert guidance and federal support in lowering loneliness rates across the nation, for the geriatric populations of the future.

Works Cited

  • Hawkley LC, Capitanio JP. 2015 Perceived social isolation, evolutionary fitness and health outcomes: a lifespan approach. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B 370: 20140114. 

  • Novotney, A. (2020, March). The risks of social isolation. Monitor on Psychology, 50(5). http://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/05/ce-corner-isolation

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