Summary of Issue
- Increased Loneliness: Living alone can lead to increased feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
- Limited Social Interaction: Reduced daily interactions can impact mental health and well-being.
- Building Connections: Finding ways to stay socially connected is crucial for those living alone.
Introduction
Living alone can offer a sense of independence and personal freedom. However, it also presents unique challenges, particularly in maintaining social connections. While some people thrive in solitude, others may experience social isolation, disconnection and loneliness. Understanding why living alone can impact social connections and exploring solutions can help mitigate its negative effects.
Expert Insight
As Dr. Bella DePaulo explains in Psychology Today, living alone has not been shown to be in itself a cause of loneliness, but rather a magnifier for those who are experiencing other barriers to connection. Dr. DePaulo cites a report conducted by the CDC, who found that “only if the participants rarely or never got the emotional support they needed were the people living alone more likely to be depressed than the people living with others (20 percent vs. 12 percent)” (Psychology Today, 2024).
Why the Barrier Exists
Living alone can significantly impact social connections and social health for several reasons:
- Increased Loneliness: Without regular interaction with housemates or family members, those living alone may feel lonelier.
- Limited Social Interaction: Opportunities for spontaneous social interactions are fewer, leading to reduced daily social engagement.
- Emotional Impact: The lack of immediate social support can lead to feelings of isolation and helplessness, creating a burden on one’s mental health.
- Reduced Physical Activity: Living alone may also reduce motivation for physical activities that involve social engagement, such as group sports or community events.
Recommended Solutions
To reduce the negative impact of living alone on social connections and social health, consider these strategies:
- Make time to connect with others face-to-face: Allocate more time to activities that foster social connections, such as talking to strangers, connecting with nighbours, family, friends, classmates or colleagues.
- Join Local Groups: Participate in local clubs, hobby groups, or community organizations to meet new people and build connections.
- Stay Connected Digitally: Use technology to supplement connections with loved ones through video calls, social media, and messaging apps.
- Volunteer: Volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and facilitate social interactions with others.
- Engage in Shared Living Spaces: Consider co-living spaces or housing communities that encourage social interaction among residents.
By actively seeking out social interactions and participating in community activities, individuals living alone can reduce the negative impacts on their social connections and social health, and foster stronger, more meaningful connections.
Community Resources/Solutions
To help manage the impact of living alone, various organizations and groups across Canada provide support and opportunities to strengthen social connection and improve social health:
- GenWell
- Description: Is Canada’s Human Connection Movement and is working to educate, empower and catalyze Canadians around the importance of their social health.
- How it Helps: They provide tips, tools, resources and campaigns that can inspire social connection for all Canadians
- Contact Information: Visit website at www.GenWell.ca for more information.
- Meetup
- Description: A platform for finding and building local communities, connecting people with similar interests.
- How it Helps: Encourages participation in local social groups and events, reducing isolation.
- Contact Information: Visit website for local group details.
- Volunteer Canada
- Description: Connects individuals with volunteer opportunities across Canada, fostering community engagement.
- How it Helps: Provides opportunities to meet new people and build social connections through volunteering.
- Contact Information: Email: info@volunteer.ca
- Friendly Calls Program
- Description: A Canadian Red Cross initiative where volunteers make regular phone calls to individuals living alone.
- How it Helps: Offers social interaction and support, helping to alleviate feelings of loneliness.
- Contact Information: Phone: 1-800-418-1111
Further Reading
- Psychology Today: Literature review examining how living alone can exacerbate existing loneliness.
- “Risk factors for loneliness: A literature review” published in Social Science & Medicine.