Perspective
One of the Greatest Threats to Our Lifespans Is Loneliness
What would society be like if health insurers and public bodies invested as much in encouraging social encounters as exercise and good diet?
In her inaugural speech as the head of the Royal College of General Practitioners recently, Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard chose to focus her remarks on loneliness.
“GPs see patients, many of whom are widowed, who have multiple health problems,” she said. “But often their main problem isn’t medical. They’re lonely. These patients need someone to listen to them, and to find purpose in life.”