There is now clear evidence linking loneliness with a range of physical and mental illness– including depression, dementia, and cardiovascular disease. In 2023 the US Surgeon General issued a formal advisory on the threat of social isolation and in the UK analysis by the Campaign to End Loneliness demonstrated that over half a million more people are experiencing chronic loneliness in the UK than before the pandemic. Social disconnection was on the increase before the pandemic: our sense of belonging to a neighbourhood and our positive engagements with neighbours has been declining over the past decade. Levels of loneliness have always been highest among younger and older age groups – but rates of loneliness among young people are increasing alarmingly – people aged 16 to 29 are now twice as likely to be chronically lonely than
over-70s.
Emerald provides nutritious meals to seniors nationwide. They actively help seniors who have a hard time leaving their homes or cooking for themselves, improving the health and quality of life of the seniors they serve.
