Loneliness has been declared a public health emergency in San Mateo County, California, where an estimated 45 percent of residents report difficulties with isolation and loneliness.
The county, located in the San Francisco Bay Area and including parts of Silicon Valley, is the first in the United States to issue such a declaration for what it calls a “silent epidemic.”
Approximately 17 percent of U.S. adults asked a question According to Sky News, Mr Gallup said in February last year that he had felt lonely the day before. report.
But in San Mateo, about 45% of residents struggle with feelings of isolation. according to David Canepa of the County Board of Supervisors;
“America desperately wants people to have more babies, but all signs point to fewer relationships, fewer marriages, and fewer babies.” https://t.co/g10lrBWFyP
— Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) September 28, 2023
This resolution does not set aside direct funding for programs to reduce loneliness. Rather, this bill demonstrates the county’s commitment to addressing this issue and is a testament to the experience of its residents, Canepa said in introducing the bill.
“What we’re trying to do is really bring people out of their corner and say, ‘Look, there’s a lot of people who feel the same way you do.’ You’re not alone. And move forward. Here are some things we can do to support you,” he said.
As Breitbart News reported, San Mateo’s concerns are not limited to a particular demographic, Canepa said, noting that in the United Kingdom, where the British government appointed a so-called Minister of Loneliness to tackle the issue in 2018, It said that it reflected the concerns expressed in the
Sign of the times: UK government appoints ‘loneliness minister’ https://t.co/eQ7rzDuBH3
— Breitbart London (@BreitbartLondon) January 17, 2018
He noted that while teenagers and young adults spend a lot of time on social media, Silicon Valley’s high-achieving atmosphere can be stressful for those still in their education.
Canepa said San Mateo has a large population of elderly residents, many of whom have become especially isolated during the pandemic. People over 65 years old he accounts for more than 18%. county populationcompared to the state average of 16 percent.
“This is a perfect storm for seniors,” said Jennifer Steele, CEO of Meals on Wheels San Francisco, an organization that delivers hot meals to seniors in northern San Mateo County. he said. Said NBC News.
“People no longer live close to their loved ones,” she said. “In some cases, people outlive their loved ones. Social circles shrink after retirement. People have a hard time making friends.”
About 45% of the seniors served by Meals on Wheels in north San Mateo live alone, the organization said.
