Young people in particular are lonely
Young people in particular are affected by loneliness. In the group of 18 to 39 year olds, around two thirds (68 percent) say they often, sometimes or rarely feel lonely. Significantly fewer of the older people responded: only around half (40 to 59 year olds: 53 percent, 60 year olds and older: 52 percent).
Young people are not only more affected, they also clearly perceive loneliness as stressful. 36 percent of 18 to 36 year olds say that the feeling of loneliness bothers them very strongly or rather strongly. Among older people it is only around 20 percent.
Those who are lonely feel less healthy
Almost a quarter (23 percent) of those surveyed who often or sometimes feel lonely rate their health as less good or poor. Among those who are rarely or never lonely, it is only 13 percent.
Almost two thirds (65 percent) of respondents who often or sometimes feel lonely are hot-blooded or even constantly stressed or exhausted. Only a good third (36 percent) of people who rarely or never feel lonely report this. Those who are often or sometimes lonely are also significantly tired or weak and report an unbalanced, depressed mood than people who are rarely or never lonely.
Taboo topic of loneliness: Many people (especially men) don't talk about it
Many people are hesitant to confide in others when they feel lonely. One in three men (33 percent) and one in five women (20 percent) who know the feeling of loneliness have never spoken to anyone about it. In general, women talk more often about their loneliness: 40 percent do this always or sometimes. In contrast, only 22 percent of men talk about it regularly, always or at least sometimes.
