Tackling America’s Loneliness Epidemic | NBC Left Field

[@MasterTSayge]

We live in a society where we throw our kids out the house when they're 18 and in turn put our parents in nursing homes when they're 70. We live in a society where we value our careers over family.

[@michelemcguire8995]

Actually..most parents don't allow their children to grow up let alone away..they keep them isolated,so as they get older they don't have the umption to leave n get a place of their own n live with Mom until they themselves are as old as their moms were when,they first realized that they are now stuck

[@wendyrosen3179]

I grew up in a family on a farm where we had three generations that ate together daily. After the farm, everybody went separate ways. I’ve been alone for 27 years now. Finally went to university to get a degree and work, so that my children can be with me again, as they are grown and want to live close to me for the rest of their lives. We all plan on living in different countries, because we don’t like the direction the U.S. culture has taken. We like things traditional, where the emphasis is on people and not on things.

[@CDN1975]

Parents wish their kids would leave at 18. Most kids don't move out before 27 these days.

[@giniolamy]

Exactly. that's the western culture 💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@europeon2wheels89]

Speak for yourself. I'll be 70 next March and got no time for a nursing home. Last Oct (2019 at 68) I rode my Harley 4,200 miles across 7 countries and 2 mountain ranges in southern Europe. First day did 987 miles in 26 hours w/no sleep stopping only for gas. Intended to make the ride again but Covid has EU borders closed to Americans until at least next year. My scooter (bought new) will have 130,000 miles in the next couple of days.

[@MartellThaCool]

This is me. I have no brothers, sisters, no friends and no lover. I'm disabled, 29, alone and I live with anxiety disorder and depression. I am always a difficult time to meet people face to face and I get nervous around people.

[@yasminbarry7941]

Please don't give up trying (to meet people)

[@carolinekearney2068]

Add me on Facebook or Instagram if you want ?

[@learnwitharslan3532]

@@carolinekearney2068 Hi

[@ferdystoehr1317]

I am not disabled but have the same feelings and suffer. I survived a relationship to a narcissistic woman, and still suffer from it.

[@RR-oo2wf]

May God Bless You Poor Souls

[@alexandratunjian2976]

I just want to let know whoever put this video together, that you’re amazing. I was shown this today at a Live on NY Aging Conference today and I cried. In 10 minutes you really show why I became a case manager with older adults and how so many out there need services like this! Thankss again for sharing this beautiful video!!!!!

[@sidneyboo9704]

Facebook makes us more depressed. Knowing what your children/friends/family is doing means nothing if you dont talk and engage with them. It's new years, I should call my mom.

[@gpxBJdlr]

I have 3 daughters and 5 grand children and we rarely see or call each other. They have their own lives. I'm retired and if it weren't for the internet I'd really be bored. I don't watch TV. I read a lot of "who done it" books by current authors. Thankful for the city library. "I Have No Place To Go, No One To See, and Nothing To Do." Sad life.

[@Missusri]

I am not much of a reader; but garden tools, cutting tables, sewing machines have become my companions. Yes, I do feel the pain sometimes.

[@Missusri]

Gery Pong, Library is a wonderful place to go where curious people meet and service minded folks are there to assist you when needed.

[@wendyrosen3179]

I’ve spent the last 27 years in near isolation socially. It seems to be a social, or cultural sickness, in the United States. I am near my golden years and am going to move overseas to an Eastern country, to get away from the cruelty, the hatred and the loneliness in the United States. 27 years of this has taught me the problem cannot be solved in this nation.

[@deanawells4395]

Join a Facebook group online of like minded people.

[@MzClementine]

Wendy Rosen i’m so sorry to read your words. Because where there is a need there can be a will. To both of you the commentor that started this thread and to you. You are the seed set to all of this. Start a group. Get involved in something. If you don’t leave you residence how else would you ever meet anyone or connect with them..? Sad that you would smug off your country because they are not in tune to your specific needs. Shame on you for running away. When your will is your way, you chose to turn against what- how can anyone connect with you if you’re in isolation. This is all your fault. Not ours... What is your likes? What’s your favorite subject or things to do? Do you have hobbies? If you believe leaving this country to go to another... I hope you know their language fluently. How else would you connect. As well. They are quite private. Let’s hope you make friends... The same experiences can happen here... if they aren’t here. Start them! Make a group! There are meet up apps that aren’t dating or sexual. I truly believe you’re running from your own insecurities. You’re running from something or someone that hurt you... why else would you put yourself in isolation..? How do you not know I would perhaps like something you like? You never know without asking... I love Japan and it’s culture. I love the mindfulness they carry in their actions and how they care for their elders. I feel bad for you that you would run from your home country because of isolation... but, who put you there, it’s yourself. 🥺

[@giniolamy]

America is a very lonely country Life over here is really sad and boring

[@giniolamy]

@Hello World wow I didn't know that

[@she_wizzdom4410]

And yet people from third world countries think you live in a paradise

[@3055311255]

Especially here in the West. California and Arizona are terrible. People here are so indifferent and uncaring.

[@3055311255]

@Hello World Honestly I don't think you're wrong as I've met Australians before and they seemed as antisocial and standoffish as your typical American. The women in particular are not friendly, just like American women. No offense.

[@3055311255]

@Hello World Where? California?

[@JohnSmith-td7hd]

An organization needs to form that pairs up socially isolated old people with men and women who need a place to live. The older person and younger person would have to have excellent behavior, no criminal records, no addictions, etc, and a willingness to socialize with each other. The younger person could help the older person with some physical tasks and do other things for them that the old person can't do or doesn't understand how to do.

[@JohnSmith-td7hd]

@Dr Moriarty Haha. Yeah. Surely there's a pill for this.

[@ASLUHLUHC3]

Thanks for the billion dollar app idea

[@yasminbarry7941]

@John Smith: Such organizations are being created, for example for Au Pair Grandmothers. Co-housing could also be an option to explore. Better still: moving overseas if possible.

[@passiflora1014]

No

[@sidlove5798]

ppl say they are lonely and when ppl make attempts to be with them they push them away..

[@itiswellAMOK]

Very true 😊😢

[@davidgoldin5759]

I'm 71 with end stage cancer. Although I do have people around me, the people that I get to know through reading are much more interesting. If I do find an author or a subject that is uninteresting, I just put the book down and nobody's feelings get hurt nor is my time wasted. Not many people get to spend time with Samuel Johnson, Mark Twain, Richard Feynman or Francis Crick, which is a shame.

[@carolburke5591]

I'm a reader too David. Praying for you.

[@davidgoldin5759]

@@carolburke5591 Thank you carol.

[@luisalmeira5424]

@@carolburke5591 they do not work. they never have. people need to read and research and stick to science. at least it gives us answers. x

[@carolburke5591]

@@luisalmeira5424 I'm praying for you Luis. Something good is going to happen to you.

[@lazarusblackwell6988]

Good luck david.

[@Jnt2252]

I really don’t need people in my life at all. I have my hobbies and my job keeping me busy all the time people have brought me down and used me most of my life so I am just by myself and I am happy with that don’t need other people’s drama in my life. It’s too stressful. And playing music everyday is what keeps my mind and body happy.

[@prestonsmith9824]

Love your comment! Greetings from Preston how are you doing hope you are fine and staying safe. Where are you from, hope you don't mind me asking.

[@lafregaste]

Loneliness is a terrible thing and worst is when you're lonely surrounded by people. Sometimes I feel very lonely because the only people I see is my close family members, and the only one I talk to about problems Is my Mother. I have many issues that turn making friends a mission impossible so having a book were people have friends and lovers is both a medicine and poison. Because to me it has reach a point were is a drug, I need to keep on reading to continue experiencing that connection and happiness but when the book ends I crash and go into depression

[@codako7300]

Video games is what I use to counter my loneliness I can talk to people in every country on the world

[@notsureiL]

and I use KZbin. Ello my lonely friend :)

[@europeon2wheels89]

I'm with you. I play chess online with others quite a bit. Plus, I've lived in 2 completely different countries the past 5 years. Learning new languages is a great way to keep your mind active. Also take online college mini courses.

[@rajuvaripetpatelkumon36]

True

[@lazarusblackwell6988]

Video games rule man.They connect people in deep ways.

[@cletozub]

Sadly, once the parents switch from being providers and/or help in raising grandkids to demand help, the excuses begin to rise and they are gradually left alone.

[@veganc5028]

So true. There is no honoring the elderly and all they have done to help their children and grandchildren. They are left to fend for themselves. Very shameful

[@rajuvaripetpatelkumon36]

True

[@bdictjames]

10 minutes of the episode and it throws off one solution: reading books, which in itself a solitary act. I grew up in the Philippines, where when you go out, people are in the streets, talking, gossiping. It can be about politics, the latest news. People caring for one another. I thought this is how it should be. It was quite effortless. Loneliness in America is an epidemic; it is a societal problem, and needs a societal, not individual, solution. I hope people figure this out.

[@bioshockbrat9171]

I'm already feeling the effects of isolation, in part because of my being introverted, my family hardly speaks to each other if we aren't nearby. I talk to my mother every night, grandmother during the day, both religiously. Something's wrong is one of us hasn't called. Grandma is such an extrovert, she was so many people over for a cup of coffee you'd think she had a little shop going. She's one of the 13 children her mother had. Lost a lot of siblings bt her community stays strong, I think if she lost her mobility it'd crush her mentally and emotionally. She likes to go visit and do things, she needs to get up and go, and not being able to do that trapped in her home would drive her batshit insane, she'd depend on her phone more, not like she doesn't already, crazy lady had a corded phone in the kitchen and a wireless one in every room.

[@commonsense571]

Aweee at the end with coffee togeths💞 that’s just so lovely!

[@carlosvillegas6113]

Latin America still have family values.

[@prestonsmith9824]

Hello There, Greetings from Preston. How are you doing hope you are fine and staying safe, hope you don't mind me asking where you are from.

[@samsmith3183]

I sure see what is happening, and that isolation is really a pandemic. Especially now while we are together in this COVID-19 crises and distancing elderly people even more. I’m in my mid-30s and what I vividly remember of my grandfather is that he showed very much interest in my life and the life of us grandkids. And my other grandparents didn’t, and we only talked just once a month with one another or even less. A lot of elderly people always expect a call or visit from the younger ones - the youth must initiate a contact each time - this is tiring. I just can say to all grandparents,…: call or visit the people you love and care, get in the car, plane,… as long as you’re able to and be part of their lives. Seniors have the time and most of the time the money to spare, so use it and don’t sit at home and expecting others to be interested in your life - just because you had a long fulfilled one. I sure think it will be repaid with love and much respect.

[@John5209]

Get out in a garden, park, the wilderness, take a book, binoculars, and watch and listen to the bird choir, watch the clouds, trees, plants in a breeze, and your mood lifts !!! And often , you find kindred spirited people, the quiet , lonely people, who become the BEST friends you will ever have.

[@hellcat2999]

5:35 I'm not tearing up! I'm just sweating through my eyes

[@peggylindenthaler6503]

You know why Edgar Allen Poe was crazy? He lost his wife at a young age, and he couldn't get over it.

[@brianpini4414]

Who else is watching this during the Coronavirus Quarantine

[@nanceebirdlover5222]

I never feel alone,but I do miss having a partner sometimes. I prefer the company of my garden and animals. I have a few close friends a job and family,but I choose to lead a quiet life mostly at home. I also have enormous faith in my place in the universe. No less or more than any other creature. And don't spend your days in memories,dont look back,you are not going that way.

[@Tahleel-s2y]

I'm sorry did your partner pass away?

[@doreenfruean6575]

I have moments of loneliness, i mean im watching this video, so i must be having one now, it will pass but im not going out as much as i used to. I have people i can ring so that helps, alot.

[@TheRealMCMXCIII]

This video needs way more likes.

[@kaitlinmiserendino4857]

aww that's my grandma

[@daisylavender5275]

Is she still alive?

[@meaganbehan252]

Not anymore@@daisylavender5275

[@nithinravi4401]

Love this channel ❤️

[@tonyohanlon6140]

Like so many in our are group and having children and grand kids who have busy lives, I got myself a banjo, always wanted to play one. Many free lessons on KZbin and a beginners book comes quite cheap

[@libbiecrawford467]

Libraries Rock❤❤❤

[@ih8utbe]

I've given up years ago. I believe you have to be happy with yourself and try not keeping up with the Jones. Nature is very calming as is listening to asmr with quiet sounds. I don't like large crowds and loud noises.

[@lazarusblackwell6988]

I get emails from youtube people almost every day so i get by somehow. I dont know what i would do without the internet. I have a few internet friends and a few real life friends but life is crushing them slowly but surely too. I see despair everywhere around me. Its way worse then the media is talking about it.

[@brigittemendoza1268]

Absolutamente sublime. Gracias por esta pieza.

[@virajharimkar7783]

Means?

[@stevec3872]

Enough with the tears and violins...everybody is different. I am 68 and retired, I live alone yet I am never lonely. I can do the social sprint having casual and short contact with people but I have no interest in the social marathon. For me hell would be being forced to have interaction with people when I would prefer to be alone. I am completely content with my own company.

[@thatcanadiangrandma]

Yes but for some, it is not a choice, it's imposed. And they aren't happy with their own company. So yes, there are tears and violins that need to be played because it is sad for them.

[@cletozub]

Everybody is different when there are no health issues, but we are the same at ANY AGE when we lost our health and must depend on others. It's much better when is our family around than dealing with it alone or professional assitance.

[@rifkinr4660]

why wasn't I interviewed for this?

[@wendyrosen3179]

I’m with you two, here alone in loneliness, all by myself.

[@chesterwilberforce9832]

Other cultures value the elders and take care of them, housing them in the nuclear family house. But for a couple of generations now, the nuclear family is no longer nuclear, but spread out all over the country/world, leaving the parents alone. A spouse dies and you have a formula for extreme loneliness. 100 years ago we all lived and died within about 50 miles of one another. Mass transportation has allowed people to travel to live and work wherever they choose. The old folks are no longer seen as a responsibility or as having value, only as a liability.

[@rcas350pilot8]

OK I'm going to have to go against the grain. Age 69 here and no family what so ever. Loneliness is about the farthest thing from my mind. Have several hobbies including flying RC aircraft, big bore revolvers and other firearms, lifting weights usually 6 days a week. I always have at least one dog, I like the big bully breeds ie Bullmastiffs, Cane Corso et al. Live in a small town in Nebraska and am close to my neighbors. Know many of the people in town and have a small but good circle of friends. Been a regular volunteer at the local food bank for 5 years. Lastly have a younger GF. No debts and paid off house in one of the best neighborhoods. Only health issue is getting my pull up count higher. Life is good.

[@rcas350pilot8]

@Dr Moriarty My point was you don't have to be lonely. Get hobbies, get a dog, find things that interest you and go out and live life. I don't see why anyone has to be lonely. JMO of course.

[@carolburke5591]

YOu have lots to offer. How do you serve others who may be lonely?

[@carolburke5591]

@Dr Moriarty fair enough

[@wendyrosen3179]

Most people are lonely for reasons beyond their own control.

[@europeon2wheels89]

You and I seem like twin sons of different mothers. Also 69 and was the baby of the family and I've always gone against the grain. Retired 7 years ago. Outlived mother, father, sister and brother. Married, divorced and no children. Moved around a lot during my work life and have few friends. But I live that way by choice. Alone much of the time without being lonely. Kept in good health, ride a bicycle 50-75 miles/week, lift free weights at home 5 times/wk. Worked throughout the lower US, Alaska, west Africa and Europe flying helicopters and airplanes. Retired in Europe and living well. Would rather ride my 14 year old Harley (bought new) than my 7 year old car (also bought new). Rode a 4,200 mile solo trip last Oct across 7 countries and 2 mountain ranges. First day rode 987 miles in 26 hours w/no sleep. Keep myself busy maintaining the m/c (130,000 miles), playing chess on the internet, taking photos, posting on Instagram, preparing videos for KZbin, building a travel website, doing online college mini courses and reading (thanks Kindle). I see my physical self slowly deteriorating and feel within the next 10-15 years I'll no longer be able to ride motorcycles or get around easily. I'm good with that, will sell the m/c, plan to buy a 50s Citroen 2-CV and will hit that wall running. I'll have the internet, pets and memories of a full, satisfying life to keep me company.

[@keithleeuwen877]

SO SAD, :(

[@JuanDeag228]

Good thing our generation has computers, internet, and video games, which will make old age more interesting and tolerable.

[@gpxBJdlr]

That's a description of my life...NOW!

[@europeon2wheels89]

Don't forget Kindle. Allowing one to buy books for pennies downloaded in seconds. Yes, we do have options our computer illiterate parents didn't. I also do a lot of college mini courses online to keep learning.

[@jennybolt445]

I haven't been out of my house except one time in 3 or 4 months I'm going to be 60 this year and my own kids don't call me I have a sister but she's in another town and in a wheelchair and they don't have a vehicle and neither do I it's just loneliness is so overwhelming

[@prestonsmith9824]

Ho, sorry to hear about that greeting from Preston. So how are you doing hope you are fine and staying safe. Hope you don't mind me knowing where you are from.

[@Tahleel-s2y]

Stay strong jenny ❤

[@jarkachalmovianska7812]

Maybe you can move to be closer to your sister or kids? Call them. Dont wait for the call. Try to find some charities.

[@synapsesuicide4372]

Edgar Allen Poes The Raven was written here in my home city & state of St. Albans West Virginia.

[@prestonsmith9824]

Hello Justin, greetings from Preston! How are you doing hope you are fine and staying safe. Where are you from Hope you don't mind me asking?

[@deborahdaniels9163]

Bless her heart l know how you feel

[@evabeldeniza7025]

Sooner l become old, maybe l just read books to make me feel busy📖👵👍🙋

[@prestonsmith9824]

Lovely comments and greetings from Preston you can play games, and partake in some sites on the Internet that will enlighten your skills and make you happy and strong in society. How about your health hope you are fine and staying safe. Where are you from home you don't mind me asking?

[@huntersmoonxgrim2493]

Thanks feminism.

[@samueljackson6188]

4:26 people don’t even have photo Albums anymore. That’s a tragedy!

[@SharonVise]

I'm glad you're working on it cause I have no one. My parents are dead and my kids disowned me 😂

[@Tahleel-s2y]

How would a kid disown his parents ?!

[@BpGregor]

She's much better of than about 60% of older Americans.

[@kepstein8888]

Even more ironic is that, according to the statistics, young healthy people are far more lonely than older people.

[@Nightingale34]

I can understand this.

[@pathapongpradith3120]

It would be good if government has project of society community... Today we have a private project but very high price😢

[@Crisis7]

Sorry old people but life is never fair or kind. Let this be the first taste of medicine.

[@daisylavender5275]

Ouch🤣

[@Missusri]

How did we fair when we were in our 20, 30, 40s?

[@musman9853]

might wanna double check that title and description

[@passiflora1014]

Let there be loneliness

[@prestonsmith9824]

Hello There, how are you doing greetings from Preston? It seems you love loneliness 😊 Hope you are fine and staying safe. Where are you from home you don't mind me asking?

[@passiflora1014]

@@prestonsmith9824 shut up 🤐 Preston

[@azimkhan4805]

Even in India tfr is below 2.0

[@joefriendly]

A Cure For the National Loneliness Problem: Promoting And Providing Opportunity For The Meeting of People of Birthdays 6 Months Apart. There is typically remarkable mutual harmony and emotional support. Why? Solar Energy levels in the newly born's environment affect neural development.

[@jukio02]

Well, if you stay in your house all day, of course you're going to be lonely.

[@dogegamer3288]

All of these social maladies go back to disobeying God. God's first command was get married and have children. Not have a cat/dog replacement, travel the world, live in a tiny home van lifing with a god/cat. This is why. We've turned into a society of disobedient to God, selfish people as outlined in Romans chapter one that people in the last days love would grow cold and they would become 4 footed animal worshippers (cat, dog, horse). That is why there are literally millions upon millions of hours of cat/dog videos on KZbin and lonely people. They refuse to read God's word and obey him, which starts with the very first command to not be alone(it's not good), to marry one man and woman and to have children. We are told in God's perfect word that children in a marriage are a reward from God. Nothing will ever compensate or fill that void. People that are selfish, self-centered and disobedient to God will be lonely and God said that is not good for man.

[@odettetenney409]

U ACTUALLY THINK OUR US GOVERNMENT CARES ABOUT THE SENIORS, THEY DON'T....I KNOW I HAPPEN TO BE A SENIOR & A WIDOW & NO CHILDREN....