Image Source: The Atlantic

Agencies


The Lockdown restrictions are slowly being lifted worldwide and people are starting to warm up to the idea of stepping out of their houses again. However, even as cities start opening again, the bitter truth is that the world may not ever be the same again. With social distancing being the new norm to function, gone are the days of making spontaneous plans and catching up with the buddies via a single text. Infact, according to recent research, loneliness owing to the coronavirus pandemic is much more likely to affect young adults and women, when compared to older adults.

The similarity between the youngest and oldest age group when it comes to battling loneliness during the lockdown is surprising to the say the least. This speaks volumes about the fact that we can have thousands of friends/followers online and a very ‘lit’ social feed, but ultimately very few of those virtual relationships translate into tangible friendships.

For the oldest adults in the survey (70 years and above), the single biggest reason could be living without a partner and away from their family.

Since we are all living in difficult times, it is important that we as a society look out for each other. We can begin by checking on our neighbours. It can be an elderly who lives alone, a single mother of two or a windowed man. Remember they are not only more likely to feel alone during the pandemic, but they may also be struggling to find basic things to get through the day. Reach out, ask if they need help but do not forget to wear a face-cover and maintain social distancing.