Earlier this year, the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy announced that the country is suffering from a loneliness epidemic. Nearly half of adults in the nation report measurable levels of loneliness. More than just an unpleasant feeling, loneliness can increase the risk of very real physical conditions like heart disease, stroke, and dementia for the older population. But what are some of the reasons why this generation lonelier than ever? Well, we have some ideas and some suggestions to help us all feel more connected to one another.
We’re on the Move
You’ve likely heard the reports that millennials don’t buy homes at the same rate as our parents and grandparents. With student loan debt and a fluctuating economy, who can blame us? But what’s also true about millennials is that we’re a bit nomadic. Because we’re not tied down to a home, we move more than previous generations, according to a 2019 Zillow study. We’re more likely to rent than buy. When you move often, it can inhibit your ability to establish a community with those around you. You might find that you’re living further away from the people and the places that raised you. Whether you live close to home or not, you have to be intentional about prioritizing people. Does that mean meeting up with old friends? It could look like participating in activities where you meet like-minded people. When you’re lonely, you might think you need to wait for friends or a partner to go out and do certain things. But going out is how you get those people into your life.
Technology
The internet and what people decide to share can have us thinking that we know how someone is really doing when the truth is we haven’t talked to or even texted them in months or years. Technology has connected the world like never before. But it’s also caused us to interact even less in person. Use that same phone to actually call someone every once in a while to see how they’re doing. Hit them up on FaceTime or text to arrange an in-person meet up.
We’re Waiting to Get Married
There’s nothing wrong with waiting for marriage. Instead of legally and spiritually uniting ourselves with another person for life, millennials are focusing on themselves. It’s wise decision-making. There are plenty of people who are married and still lonely. Whether you want to be married or not, instead of focusing on romantic love, reflect and nurture the other types of love you have in your life, including yourself. Romantic love is a legit and worthwhile desire but it’s not the pinnacle of love.
We Expect More From Our Lives
Our priorities are different from the generations that came before us. Our parents and grandparents were much more willing to suffer in order to reach material success. They suffered through unfulfilling work. They suffered through loveless marriages and even subpar friendships. Millennials may be more lonely but we’re clear about the prioritization of happiness in our lives. Prioritizing happiness often means avoiding comfort and convenience in the short term for more long term satisfaction. There’s no need to fix this one. Stay on course.