Osamu Dazai's 1948 semi-autobiographical novel "No Longer Human" explores profound alienation and despair, resonating with its depiction of suffering feeling more real than hope. The work, reflecting Dazai's own struggles, remains a best-seller in Japan and gains new readers through adaptations, connecting with modern anxieties and loneliness.
Sudipta Mondol, a holistic health coach and actress, overcame childhood loneliness, a suicide attempt, an abusive marriage, and parental indifference to find purpose. Her journey, marked by resilience and reinvention, led her to fitness, Parkour, and fame on 'Naked and Afraid India'.
ACCA Melbourne's new exhibition, 'Are You Lonely Tonight?', delves into the complex nature of loneliness with works from 11 artists, exploring the distinction between being alone and feeling lonely, and connectivity versus true connection.
Princess Diana's 1995 BBC interview quote, "the biggest disease the world suffers from... is the disease of people feeling unloved," highlights the profound impact of loneliness. Her actions, including visiting AIDS patients and landmine survivors, exemplified her commitment to offering personal attention and care, a message still relevant today as loneliness is recognized as a public health concern.
Urban India is experiencing a significant shift in pet ownership, with pets increasingly viewed as integral family members due to changing social structures and rising loneliness. This has fueled a rapidly expanding pet-care ecosystem offering specialized services like grooming, insurance, and physiotherapy.
Kerala, India's fastest-ageing state, faces a growing challenge of elderly people living alone due to migration. The state government has launched a dedicated department for elderly welfare to address issues like loneliness and lack of immediate support, aiming for 'ageing in place' through community care and social activities.
A global survey across 142 countries found nearly 27% of adults aged 19-29 reported feeling lonely, the highest rate among all age groups, challenging the common assumption that loneliness primarily affects older adults.
A new trend of "loneliness influencers" is emerging, broadcasting tales of their friendless lives online. The author finds their content, which often depicts cozy nights alone with self-care rituals, to be depressing and defeatist, arguing for more proactive social engagement instead.
A Vietnamese reader reflects on the increasing loneliness among the elderly, questioning whether financial security or family bonds are the true support in old age. Vietnam faces rapid population aging, with millions of seniors living alone, highlighting the need for familial connection.
Marilyn Monroe's poignant 1961 film 'The Misfits' is rereleased for her 100th birthday. The film, a western drama, was the last for both Monroe and Clark Gable and features Montgomery Clift in a melancholy role.
Geochang County in South Korea is launching a project to prevent deaths from loneliness and social isolation. The initiative includes regular check-ins, meal deliveries, home support, and social programs to connect at-risk individuals with the community.
The US elder care system faces a crisis as baby boomers age, with many lacking savings and long-term care insurance. The "forgotten middle" struggle to afford care, often forced into destitution for Medicaid. The author advocates for collective solutions like day programs, worker-owned home healthcare, and public long-term care insurance to ensure dignified aging and support caregivers.
Australian experts discuss the role of technology in aged care, emphasizing support for humans rather than replacement, amidst workforce shortages and systemic challenges.
Twitch streamer Asmongold (Zack Hoyt, 36) went viral after an emotional livestream where he shared feelings of loneliness, living alone, and a repetitive daily routine, sparking discussions on mental health and isolation.
The Mekons' 1979 single 'Where Were You?' became an indie classic, influenced by punk and feminism, and continues to resonate nearly 50 years later, even earning the band royalties from a car advert.
Trishala Dutt, daughter of actor Sanjay Dutt, shared her difficult childhood in New York, marked by racism, bullying, and emotional isolation following her mother's death. She spoke about finding comfort in food and journaling, and how her aunt's advice inspired her to become a therapist.
Salman Khan's shirtless photo and a cryptic note about loneliness worried fans. His ex Sangeeta Bijlani's comment added to the nostalgia. The article also mentions his upcoming films.
Moushumi Chatterjee reminisces about working with Rajesh Khanna, describing him as a "spoilt brat" whose superstardom affected him. She reflects philosophically on loneliness and karma, noting that everyone faces such phases. Chatterjee also recounts a past incident where Khanna questioned her daughter's paternity, to which she responded sharply, leaving him speechless.
A heartbreaking clip from a Korean reality show features a 4-year-old boy expressing profound loneliness and the belief that his mother doesn't love him. The article emphasizes how children absorb emotional cues, leading to lasting beliefs about their worth.
Three-time Olympian Camille Cheng has returned to competitive swimming after a year-long recovery from ACL surgery. The athlete, who co-founded a mental health charity, highlighted the significant mental challenges she faced during her rehabilitation process.
A six-year longitudinal study of 10,217 older adults aged 65-94 from 12 European countries published in Aging & Mental Health found that lonely individuals scored lower on memory tests at the start but did not experience faster cognitive decline over time. Researchers from Universidad del Rosario analyzed SHARE data and found age was the strongest predictor of memory level and decline rate, with accelerated drop-offs after age 75 and more pronounced decline after 85. Depression and chronic diseases also reduced initial memory scores, while physical activity acted as a cognitive buffer.
