Loneliness across generations: Why is it important to address this hidden danger?

The more technology advances in our lives, the more distant we get from people. People who we need to connect with, it’s a fundamental need built into our existence. Virtual connections, technology can never be an antidote to the void left by real connections with people leaving us vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation. Another factor that’s pushing the young generation towards isolation is “Hyper individualism” and “Fear of Judgment.” There maybe people who are unaffected by loneliness, not countries. Some countries like The UK, Japan have already appointed a minister of loneliness while others are contemplating the possibility.

Loneliness is an experience that most of us experience at some point in our lives driven by certain events in our lives. But a concerning trend is that it's the young adults who are experiencing it the most. While India does not have explicit data on the effect of loneliness on young adults and teens, The US has 60% young adults between 18-25 who reported almost always to always feeling lonely. Since loneliness affects people in many different ways, it has various forms categorised into: personal, social, and existential loneliness. Addressing it requires recognition, acceptance, and the right approach to the individual’s needs whether in older adults or Gen-Z. Understanding the specific nature of a person’s loneliness makes it easier to take meaningful steps toward alleviating it.

Personal loneliness: An individual's distressing experience
The absence of a specific person in someone’s life leads to individual loneliness like in several cases of losing a loved one or divorce breakups or growing up without a father, without a mother, or as a single child. The absence of a crucial figure leaves a void, creating a sense of loneliness that can be difficult to overcome. For instance, many people experienced loneliness in the form of distress during the Covid pandemic by losing family members or close friends to the exacerbating impact of the virus.

When dealing with personal loneliness, especially when someone has lost a loved one and can't get them back, the only way forward is to fill that void with self-care, self-love, and a stronger connection with oneself. One can also start by appreciating the happy memories shared with the lost person by cherishing the good times and finding peace in the absence of the lost figure can lead to creating a fulfilling life, despite their absence.

Social loneliness
In the present digitally connected world, people feel isolated even when surrounded by others. It’s the sense of being unheard, unseen, or misunderstood, despite having people around—whether at home, work, or social settings. A prime example of this is the illusion of connection on social media, where individuals have thousands of followers but still feel disconnected.

Even in real-life settings, people might have a circle of friends or office colleagues and yet still feel no one truly understands them. In my interactions with younger adults, people have reported feeling as if they are a “left-over”, “Invisible” or “Run through” person. The root cause of this concern often sprouts from the lack of connection with the inner self. Many people assume that building relationships or spending time with others will cure their loneliness, but the most crucial factor that affects loneliness is the relationship that we have with ourselves. If we do not understand or value ourselves, it becomes nearly impossible to form meaningful connections with others.

Existential loneliness
Many people feel a disconnect from their existence and the world. It becomes a profound sense of emptiness that can persist even when a person has everything they seemingly need—success, money, authority, and relationships. Despite having a fulfilling material life, they experience existential loneliness that something is missing from their life and it is certainly not tied to age, wealth, or achievements.

People of all ages – adults and younger generations can get this feeling. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of people turning towards spirituality in search of peace and purpose. This requires looking beyond the physical and materialistic world. In some cases, people seek a connection with God and identify it as such; others define it as universal consciousness, some form of energy, or anything that brings them peace. This is recognized as a spiritual discovery that allows individuals to feel at peace with their existence, providing a sense of meaning that goes beyond worldly accomplishments.

Addressing loneliness across generations
For the elderly, personal loneliness is often more prevalent. During their lifespan, they may have lost spouses, children might have moved away, or they could be living in assisted living facilities. The solution for their loneliness often lies in building human connections — having someone to talk to, sharing experiences with, and feel emotionally connected to, regardless of age or gender. It’s not about who they talk to, but rather whether the connection feels authentic and caring.

On the contrary, social loneliness in younger people is frequently linked to a lack of self-awareness, as they struggle to understand their own selves and desires due to a plethora of distractions. Hence, for younger individuals, the journey often starts with self-discovery to enable them to cultivate self-love and a sense of “enoughness.”

Loneliness is a complex experience that requires different approaches depending on its type, nature, and root cause. By recognizing the type of loneliness a person is experiencing—personal, social, or existential—one can take the right steps toward healing and fulfilment. Whether through self-awareness, connection with others, or spiritual exploration can pave the roadmap to contentment.

(Author: Sitender Sehrawat, Social Entrepreneur and Meditation Teacher)