Impact and
Awareness
This program will help Fortuite Foundation collect and sort global documentation on loneliness while conducting surveys, or even offering local communities specialized missions if requested.
We have an innate need to be connected and one can frequently feel alone. Even if surrounded by people, anyone can experience deep loneliness.
Loneliness dramatically affects our physical and mental health.
It can shorter our lifespan and definitely represents a significant global health crisis. Loneliness is also a risk factor for heart disease, arthritis and type 2 diabetes, while one is twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.
Research also suggests that chronic loneliness can trigger stress,
hinder sleep and weaken one’s immunity.
Our research, interviews with experts on the field and further general information on the topic will follow on this page in due course.
Loneliness and the covid 19 pandemic:
Some Facts and Figures:
- According to the European Commission, Loneliness is affecting all regions of Europe, with reported loneliness levels of between 22% and 26% across regions. This is in contrast to pre-pandemic times, when loneliness was lowest in northern Europe (6% reported feeling lonely in 2016)
- 1/3 of media reporting on loneliness and social isolation discusses its relation to health. Media reporting on loneliness also mentions its economic impact, but less frequently (10% of articles). This reporting also focuses mainly on the impact on young people and women
- According to the Swiss Confederation, in 2017 38% of the population in Switzerland aged 15 and over said that they felt lonely
A study has found that loneliness among heart failure patients was associated with a nearly 4 times increased risk of death, 68% increased risk of hospitalization, and 57% increased risk of emergency department visits
New report: Loneliness doubles in Europe during the pandemic (europa.eu)
Feeling of loneliness | Federal Statistical Office (admin.ch)
https://www.rootsofloneliness.com/covid-19-loneliness-survey
Loneliness, Social Isolation, and Cardiovascular Health – PMC (nih.gov)
Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions (cdc.gov)