Do we need to relearn the art of hanging out? Loneliness is being described as the “modern leprosy”, a debilitating personal and social problem. But what is so hard to solve about being alone?
‘Quiet crisis’ of loneliness is getting worse
Young and alone? A recent poll showed that 38% of people aged 16-29 experience persistent loneliness. Glossary
Leprosy - A chronic bacterial disease. Once known pejoratively as lepers, sufferers were historically forced to live in colonies, isolated from others.
Obesity - The medical condition of being very overweight. There are many ways of measuring this, including a BMI of 30 or more. (You can work out your BMI by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared.)
Per capita - Per person. The phrase came into use in the late 17th Century, but it is originally a Latin phrase meaning “by heads”.
Hermitic - Relating to a hermit, someone who has chosen to live a life away from other people.
Epidemic - A widespread disease or infection.
Urbanisation - The increase in the proportion of people living in towns and cities. It is predicted that by 2050 three billion people will live in cities.
Gig economy - A way of working based on temporary jobs or casual part-time work rather than permanent jobs.
Capitalism - A form of economy characterised by private property and competition between companies.