Theme 3: Prevention of loneliness and social isolation

The third theme of the conference focused on loneliness and social isolation. The aim is to explore preventive measures to cultivate stronger social connections and nurture a sense of belonging within our communities.

Hillevi Busch, Senior Analyst at the Public Health Agency of Sweden: Mapping the challenges and developing a strategy to reduce loneliness and social isolation

Sweden is developing a national strategy to reduce loneliness. A situation analysis was published in March 2024, and a national strategy will be released in 2025 based on the findings from this analysis.

– Loneliness comes in three different forms: social loneliness, which is the lack of people to interact with regularly; emotional loneliness, which is the lack of meaningful relationships or someone to confide in; and existential loneliness, which is a deep feeling of being disconnected from the world, says Hillevi Busch, Senior Analyst at the Public Health Agency of Sweden.

Of the Swedish population, 41 % live in single households, 23 % report mild loneliness, while 13 % report having no close friends, and 3 % experience severe loneliness.

– The risk factors for loneliness include living alone, being young or old, being outside the labour market, and having health problems or a disability.

Loneliness among children is more common among girls than boys, and a low perceived socioeconomic status is also correlated with feeling lonely. Hillevi Busch points out that there is a relative lack of research on loneliness in children and adolescents compared to loneliness in older people, making it harder to evaluate interventions. 

Busch calls for joint societal action to combat loneliness, involving the government, agencies, regions and municipalities, civil society, and enterprises, all working together.

– We believe that if the whole society comes together, we can reduce loneliness and create social connectedness.

– Guri Idsø Viken, Senior Political Adviser at Frivillighet Norge

Guri Idsø Viken, Senior Political Adviser at Frivillighet Norge: How NGOs are continuously fighting the most dangerous threats to our health

In Nordic welfare societies, much focus is on government initiatives. However, NGOs also play a significant and growing role by complementing government efforts in addressing and preventing loneliness and social isolation.

– The most important thing for reducing loneliness is participating in regular activities with other people. 

Guri Idsø Viken, Senior Political Adviser at the umbrella organisation Frivillighet Norge, highlights the role of NGOs in providing regular activities and targeted efforts. These efforts cover areas beyond government responsibility, with a focus on prevention rather than treatment.

Frivillighet Norge has identified six barriers for participation in NGOs: economic constraints, where individuals cannot afford participation; knowledge gaps regarding where to participate; time pressures due to busy schedules, necessitating clear time expectations; cultural considerations to ensure culture does not hinder participation; accessibility issues, ensuring physical mobility does not prevent involvement; and providing support and follow-up, ensuring individuals feel welcomed and cared for.

Frivillighet Norge collaborates with other Nordic partners and emphasises that regular activities yield the best results. Therefore, funding for regular activities should be prioritised over project funding when supporting an NGO.

– Regular activities are what combat loneliness the most.

Guri Idsø Viken also points out that people are often reluctant to join activities specifically aimed at combatting loneliness.

– They prefer to meet others who share their interests and engage in regular activities. Offer them that and they will be happy.

 

Panel conversation on the prevention of loneliness and social isolation

 
The final panel conversation of the conference focused on the preventive strategies that should be implemented to combat increasing loneliness in the Nordic countries. Despite research showing that severe loneliness can have the same negative impact on health as alcohol abuse or heavy smoking, the panellists agreed that loneliness is not treated as an equally severe health hazard in our societies.

– I think we are overlooking the health risks of loneliness. But at least now we have the data, so we can start looking into it, says Margrét Lilja Guðmundsdóttir from Planet Youth in Iceland who joined the panel conversation.

Guri Idsø Viken from Frivillighet Norge pointed out that efforts to reduce loneliness do not always reach everyone affected. The focus is often on those lacking friends, while forgetting that people can also feel lonely in a crowd. 

– Through social media, we are surrounded by people all the time, but despite this, many still feel lonely. It’s important to help people step away from their screens so they can grow their networks in the real world.

The connection between excessive screen time and loneliness was identified several times throughout the panel conversation.

– Lack of mental health, lack of sleep, too much screen time, and loneliness – all of this is connected, says Margrét Lilja Guðmundsdóttir.

Hillevi Busch from the Public Health Agency of Sweden pointed out that preventive measures and strategies to reduce loneliness revolve around meeting places and social activities. Sometimes, solving a practical problem can initiate the process of combatting loneliness.

– The church is an organisation that can offer practical help in some matters, such as providing a meal. However, when we gather around a social problem, it can often initiate deeper conversations and help solve a social issue as well.

Hillevi Busch says the solution to combatting loneliness in society as a whole lies in a holistic approach where different levels of society work together.

– Government organisations can legitimise the question. Different levels in society have different mandates and can contribute in unique ways. This is what we need.

Margrét Lilja Guðmundsdóttir emphasises that part of the solution should always include listening to young people and acknowledging that they are facing challenges unprecedented in previous generations. Additionally, part of the solution also lies with the parents, who both need and expect assistance.

– The most important thing is to gather knowledge and bring it to the general public. This is not common knowledge for everyone.