7.2% of Europeans have no contact with friends or loved ones even once a year. This percentage is even higher in France, at 12%. Humans are meant to interact with one another, which is why there are so many examples of communities throughout our various societies and across history.
Loneliness is at the root of many different health issues: stroke, myocardial infarction, cancer, and depression. Scientific studies have shown that these conditions are exacerbated by social isolation. Given this, combating social isolation is a critical public health issue in our contemporary society.
