Loneliness, traditionally associated with elderly people, increasingly affects people of all ages - and in Cyprus this indicator causes anxiety.
A recent international study showed that the highest level of loneliness among people aged 50-90 years was recorded in Cyprus and Greece, while not old people feel more acutely, but middle-aged people.
Researchers at the University of Emory in the USA analyzed data collected in more than 64,000 respondents in 29 countries. The project was developed in collaboration with Colombian University (USA), McGill University (Canada) and Major University (Chile).
Researchers estimated the level of loneliness on the scale from 0 to 6 points. The respondents were supposed to answer such questions: “How often do you feel deprived of attention?”, “How often do you feel insulated from others?”, “How often do you feel that you lack communication?” and others.
Cyprus and Greece scored 1.7 points, which became one of the highest rates in the study. Countries such as Denmark (0.4) and Switzerland (0.5) showed the lowest level of loneliness.
Why is the situation better in the northern countries?
According to researchers, economic instability, a weak system of social security and low family support can explain high indicators of loneliness in Southern and Eastern Europe. On the contrary, the northern countries offer more effective social protection systems, free state health care, subsidized child care and generous childcare. This helps to reduce stress and strengthen confidence in state institutions. The cultural emphasis on comfort, comfort, communication and community can also contribute to more involvement in people.
In most countries, marital status, unemployment, depression and poor health are associated with loneliness.
The average age is the most vulnerable
In Cyprus, middle -aged people feel more lonely than the elderly. Dr. Esteban Calvo, dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Arts of the University, Major in Chile, said: “The results show that loneliness is not only an old age. Many middle -aged people who have difficulties with work, lack of care and isolation are very vulnerable and need the same support as the elderly. ” He called for the development of a national policy aimed at expanding the research of mental health, improving the support of unemployed or single people and taking into account the needs of a particular country.
And what about Cyprus?
Middle-aged people in Cyprus can feel especially lonely for a number of reasons associated with both socio-economic and cultural characteristics. Firstly, the increase in prices and difficulties with employment is especially strong in this age category. Middle -aged people often carry a large financial burden - pay loans, care about children and elderly parents, but at the same time they themselves can face unstable employment, low salary or unemployment. This reduces their confidence in the future and enhances the feeling of isolation.
Secondly, at the level of society there is an insufficient culture of circulation for psychological help, which exacerbates the situation.
Finally, many at this stage of life have existential issues - about the meaning, self -esteem, missed opportunities - which, combined with insufficient support of others, enhance the feeling of loneliness. As a result, despite the strong family traditions, it is precisely the middle -aged people in Cyprus that are in a group of increased risk in terms of internal insulation and emotional alienation.
The text is prepared according to Sigmalive materials
