Loneliness is a topic that has increasingly appeared in the media since 2010. There would be a growth in the number of ‘lonely’ people, especially because the number of singles is increasing. Loneliness is said to be the biggest problem for old people (and such an article is invariably accompanied by a sad-looking elderly person). Loneliness should be tackled by the government through the Social Support Act (WMO). Is that right?

Loneliness does not increase

For about forty years, the Netherlands has regularly measured how lonely people feel. Numerous large and small studies show that there is a slightly decreasing trend in the number of people who feel lonely. That is no reason to cheer, because the number of people who feel seriously lonely is well over one and a half million. They have a form of loneliness that does not go away on its own and that undermines the quality of life. So there is indeed a major problem, but it is nonsense to say that this problem has become worse in recent years. It is indeed true that the number of single people is increasing. There is therefore reason to assume that people gradually learn to deal with loneliness better.

Because there is no cure for being old and lonely…

There are quite a few prejudices about the lives of the elderly. One of the misconceptions about old age is that old and lonely go together. It is rather the other way around. Research shows that many people are better able to deal with loneliness as they get older. The idea that most elderly people are lonely is completely out of the blue. It is true that as people have fewer options because they have less financial resources, are less physically capable and their network becomes smaller, loneliness increases sharply at a very old age. Of single men aged 85 and older who are unhealthy and have a small network, a quarter are seriously lonely. But mind you, the majority is not.

Loneliness is a social problem

Loneliness affects a large part of the Dutch population. Without a doubt, this not only has personal consequences for those involved. People who feel lonely are generally more anxious, suspicious, distrustful and participate less in social activities. People who are both lonely and isolated have no network to call on in an emergency. They then appeal to the government for help. However, this last group is very small, much smaller than most people think. The foregoing has already shown that it is nonsense to assume that most elderly people suffer from loneliness. It is therefore very questionable whether it is wise, in the context of the WMO, to approach all elderly people in the municipality and ask whether they feel lonely. Especially since actual help is virtually unavailable.

Knowledge is power

This certainly applies when it comes to tackling loneliness. Time and again, research and polls show that the help offered for loneliness is virtually ineffective. For anyone involved in supporting clients, it is wise to explore the specific approach needed to really effectively help people who feel lonely. Anyone who bases themselves on myths is entering fairytale land. There is an enormous need for real help. It is hoped that expertise on this subject will grow in the near future. Because those one and a half million people who feel very lonely must have somewhere to turn for help.