孤獨，其實比你想的更普遍
一份發表在《美國醫學會雜誌》的研究發現，美國 50–80 歲的成年人裡，三分之一常感到孤獨，接近三成覺得「大部分時間都被孤立」。 即使疫情過後，孤獨感的比例比高峰時低了，但它仍然像影子一樣，悄悄跟著我們。
孤獨不只影響心情，還會傷身
孤獨感會讓心臟病風險增加 29%、中風風險提升 32%，甚至提高 50% 的失智風險。 科學家發現，當人缺乏社交刺激時，大腦神經連結會變弱，就像「少用的肌肉」一樣慢慢退化。孤獨不是抽象的，它真實地刻在我們的身心裡。
最孤獨的一代？
諷刺的是，明明社群媒體、即時通訊比以往更發達，我們卻被稱為「最孤獨的一代」。 研究顯示，年輕人比年長者更容易感到孤獨，而且孤獨感的機率是長者的兩倍。 看似永遠在線的年代，為什麼我們卻感覺彼此更遠？
真實連結，比滑手機更重要
孤獨不是個人問題，而是公共健康議題。研究指出，每天只要花 15 分鐘專心陪伴，不論是打一通電話、和朋友喝杯咖啡，都能有效降低孤獨感。 重點不在於時間長短，而在於「全心在場」──真誠的交流，比邊滑手機邊敷衍更有力量
孤獨可以被改變
孤獨感雖然普遍，但它不是不可逆的。從一個邀請、一場遊戲、一次擁抱開始，就能給自己和他人一份支撐。 連結，是對抗孤獨最好的處方，而我們都能從小小的行動開始。
Loneliness Is More Common Than You Realize
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that among U.S. adults aged 50–80, one-third often feel lonely, and nearly 30% report feeling isolated “most of the time.”
Even after the pandemic, loneliness has declined from its peak, but it still lingers like a shadow that quietly follows us.
Loneliness Hurts More Than Just Your Mood
Feeling lonely doesn’t just affect emotions—it affects health. Loneliness raises the risk of heart disease by 29%, stroke by 32%, and even increases the risk of dementia by 50%.
Scientists have found that when the brain lacks social stimulation, neural connections weaken—just like “unused muscles” that slowly deteriorate. Loneliness isn’t abstract; it leaves a very real mark on both body and mind.
The Loneliest Generation?
Ironically, despite social media and instant messaging being more advanced than ever, we are now called “the loneliest generation.”
Research shows that young people are twice as likely to feel lonely compared to older adults. In this era of being “always online,” why do we feel further apart than ever?
Real Connection Matters More Than Scrolling
Loneliness isn’t just a personal issue—it’s a public health concern. Studies show that spending just 15 minutes of genuine connection a day—whether it’s a phone call or coffee with a friend—can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness.
It’s not about how long you spend, but about being fully present. Sincere connection is far more powerful than half-listening while scrolling on your phone.
Loneliness Can Be Changed
Loneliness may be common, but it isn’t irreversible. It can shift with small actions: an invitation, a game, a hug.
Connection is the best prescription for loneliness, and each of us can start with small, simple steps.
