How to counter loneliness — new guide
Social isolation has become a serious public health threat. Researchers say the right habits and community design can help counter rising loneliness and its growing toll, Qazinform News Agency correspondent reports.
Despite the severity of the problem, social wellbeing remains largely absent from standard medical assessments. Doctors track blood pressure and activity levels, but rarely inquire about a patient’s sense of belonging or support network.
A new international initiative aims to change that. More than one hundred scholars spent two years developing the first evidence-based guidelines for social health. These recommendations, now publicly available, are already beginning to influence policy debates in countries such as the Netherlands and the UK. The goal is to elevate social connection to the same level as established health practices like regular exercise or avoiding tobacco.
The guidelines rest on several key findings. Social needs differ widely from person to person, so there is no ideal number of friends or set amount of time to spend socializing. What matters is the quality of interactions. Even one meaningful conversation can offer more support than many brief exchanges.
Technology can either help or harm social wellbeing depending on how it is used. Passive scrolling worsens mood, while deliberate engagement such as video calls or group chats can strengthen bonds.
Local environments also play a decisive role. Communities with accessible parks, libraries and cafes tend to foster stronger networks and show better outcomes after crises.
Routines that create regular points of contact, such as walking the same route or becoming a familiar face in neighborhood spaces, help connections form more naturally.
The research emphasizes the value of diverse relationships. Close friends provide depth, but lighter everyday interactions deliver their own benefits. A brief chat with a neighbor or the familiar greeting of a barista can broaden a sense of belonging and create opportunities that deeper ties alone cannot offer.
The guidelines also draw attention to community responsibility. Workplaces are beginning to weigh social wellbeing when shaping decisions about office design or remote work. Schools are expanding emotional and interpersonal skills training. Cities are investing in public spaces that naturally support regular contact among residents.
Solitude should be treated as a chance to recharge rather than a personal failure.
Above all, taking initiative matters, since modern life often treats socializing as optional even though it is essential for health.
Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported on how reading fights loneliness.
