All the Lonely People Social isolation in Europe Orsolya Lelkes European Centre, Vienna

Social contacts are vital for health Causal effect on physical health: ▫personal contacts influence brain functioning, incl. the lymbic system, and even the operation of genes ▫the functioning of genes: mostly depends on the (social) environment, not inherited (!) ▫good relationships – safeguards against the negative consequences of stress Learning: (at school, at workplace) more successful if related to personal contacts Well-being. The second best predictor of the feelings of a day is whether a person did or did not have contacts with friends or relatives (Gallup World Poll)

Why bother about social isolation? Social isolation is a strong indicator of ▫a basic human need is not met (individual level), ▫lack of social cohesion (social level). It is a state where no one would want to be in - not a matter of personal preferences. ▫Extreme loneliness is often a result of mental health problems or trauma (both are more frequent than many think).

Social isolation in Europe Source: European Social Survey 2010

Social isolation in Europe: 8-12%

Lack of social meetings varies more across countries

Happiness is not impossible, but less likely... Distribution of self-reported life satisfaction 36% of lonely have scores 0-4 (others: 16%)

Misfortunes add up: the poor are more isolated Ratio of those with no friends compared to the third income quintile goup Other „risk groups“: Elderly Pensioners Unemployed Men (personal talk, but not in terms of meeting!)

Look at all the lonely people...