These days, the word "loneliness" frequently appears in American news. It's not just a sentimental essay topic; seeing it prominently featured in government reports suggests that something has definitely changed.

In May 2023, Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General, released an 82-page report titled "Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation," which certainly raises eyebrows just from its title.

This report defines loneliness and social isolation as independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease, stroke, dementia, depression, and early death. It treats these issues not as emotional problems but as medical risk factors.

The numbers are quite surprising. A lack of social connection increases the risk of heart disease by 29 percent and the risk of stroke by 32 percent.

For older adults, the risk of dementia can increase by as much as 50 percent, which made me pause for a moment. The numbers are significant enough that we can't just dismiss loneliness as a mere feeling of sadness.

The report even states that the risk of early death due to social disconnection is comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Once the topic of smoking comes up, it really hits home.

However, this isn't a problem that suddenly arose due to the pandemic. It turns out that about half of American adults were already experiencing loneliness before COVID-19, meaning this long-standing issue has only now come to the forefront.

A Gallup survey found that one in five adults reported feeling lonely every day. The word "every day" carries more weight than one might think.

Looking at the results by generation, the findings are somewhat surprising. A 2021 report from Cigna found that 79 percent of respondents aged 18 to 24 reported feeling lonely.

In contrast, only 41 percent of those aged 66 and older reported feeling lonely. This is the opposite of the common belief that older people are lonelier, which I found to be the most interesting part.

When considering why this reversal occurs, the answer is somewhat obvious. Younger generations have shifted the way they form relationships to be more screen-based.

Many have heard the saying that while one may have hundreds of followers, there's no one to call when times get tough. The quantity of connections has increased, but the quality has actually decreased.

On the other hand, older generations often have strong offline networks through community gatherings, religious activities, and long-standing friendships. Ultimately, it seems that the density of relationships is what distinguishes loneliness, rather than the sheer number of connections.

So why did the U.S. government officially designate this as a public health issue? The answer is surprisingly simple.

If it remains a personal emotional issue, no one will allocate budget for it. Once it is designated as a public health issue, it provides a basis for action in the healthcare system, local policies, and research funding.

In fact, the report outlines a national strategy consisting of six pillars: strengthening social infrastructure, promoting connection-friendly public policies, mobilizing health sectors, reforming the digital environment, deepening research, and fostering a culture of connection.

Notably, it recommends that hospitals and healthcare providers treat loneliness as a clinical issue, suggesting they ask patients about their social connections just as they would check blood pressure.

The emphasis on needing to improve the digital environment was also striking. If platforms are structured in a way that makes people lonelier, there is a need to change that structure.

Personally, I found this aspect somewhat refreshing. Instead of just blaming the platforms, the government is stepping up to take action.

However, I am cautious about the approach that assumes regulation will solve everything. Relationships are not something that can be filled solely by laws or policies.

Nonetheless, the fact that the government has officially recognized this issue at a national level is significant. In the past, it might have been brushed off as just feeling a bit lonely.

This isn't just an American issue. The UK has already had a Minister for Loneliness for several years.

The fact that similar trends are observed in various developed countries suggests that this is not a unique situation to any one nation. As society becomes more convenient, the paradox of increasing distance between people is something many have likely felt.

As I read this report, I realized that the core issue is not the numbers but the attitude. It's not about how many people you know, but how often you genuinely check in on them.

This report serves as a reminder that a single phone call, which we might have postponed due to being busy, can play a surprisingly significant role. Seeing it confirmed by statistics makes it feel less awkward.

The next time an old friend reaches out, I encourage you not to brush them off but to greet them warmly. That one phone call could contribute to both of your heart health.

Ultimately, it seems that the era of viewing loneliness as a personal weakness is coming to an end. The mere fact that it has become a public issue addressed through data and policy is worth noting.