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The 3 key times in life you're the most lonely


Still Waters

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Scientists will tell you we still don't understand enough about loneliness, and what this emotional state might do to people. But what we do know isn't good.

Mounting evidence suggests loneliness isn't just bad for your health, it's potentially far worse. While scientists are still figuring out the causes and connections, a new study reveals the phenomenon may be far more prevalent than we knew, and suggests loneliness peaks at key ages in people's lives.

Before now, research into which age groups are most susceptible to loneliness had demonstrated somewhat conflicting results.

https://www.sciencealert.com/loneliness-peaks-at-three-key-times-in-life-but-there-s-a-unique-way-to-fight-it-scientists-say

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  • The title was changed to The 3 key times in life you're the most lonely
 

I agree with a lot of the findings in this study.  The only time in my life I ever felt truly lonely was when I was in my late 20's.  It seemed like all my friends had it made:  they were getting married, starting great jobs, etc.  I hate to say it, but when I got into my 30's many of those people went through ugly divorces, drug and alcohol problems, etc, and were envious of me for being single and emotionally stable.  After that, I no longer felt lonely.    

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Here's to hoping I die first before my wife. She has a very large family to keep her from being lonely while I'm an only child and no kids of my own so I'd probably end up being that lonely 80 yr old guy too broke down to do anything other than wait to die.

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On 12/20/2018 at 4:25 PM, sci-nerd said:

Thank Odin that I'm anti-social :innocent:

I guess it does tend to inoculate :w00t:   I tend to be more solitary at times but have no problem being with people and enjoying their company, whether I always agree with them or not.  

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2 hours ago, NightScreams said:

Here's to hoping I die first before my wife. She has a very large family to keep her from being lonely while I'm an only child and no kids of my own so I'd probably end up being that lonely 80 yr old guy too broke down to do anything other than wait to die.

I'm right there with you on that sentiment.  After somewhat recently going through a major storm in life (self-inflicted) I had a chance to see how my family could deal with my demise and frankly, other than my wife and child, I think they'd be just fine in a few days.  It was a real eye-opening experience.

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i've always been intensely lonely, so um... i guess i got some fun times to look forward to.

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I'm curious about the effects of social media on loneliness.  There was also a Harvard study which yielded findings very similar to the UC San Diego study but neither examined the effects of Facebook or online forums such as this.  Clearly social media is a double-edged sword with tremendous potential for both healing and disillusionment.  We benefit from its ability to connect us with friends and family and people who share similar interests yet, at the same time, many seem to feel even more lonely and isolated after some of the posts they see online.      

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I'm only ever lonely when I'm around people. I never feel lonely when I'm alone. I like being alone.

Edited by Ares_Zeusson
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Don't think I have ever been lonely.  

Currently on day 3 of not seeing, speaking to, or hearing another human being (except on TV).  It's bliss!   Only time of year I can do this at home (I normally have to hide away in the hills to get some aloneness).  It's why I love Christmas!  :D


(Okay, I am weird .... )

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  • 2 weeks later...

I'm 27 and can say I am lonlier than I have ever been. Between a cruddy health diagnosis, my girlfriend leaving me, and still not feeling like I am in an adequate point in life financially, I have been battling depression.

I'm also making good and healthy changes, so it's not all bleak. I can definitely relate to this article.

Edited by mr3rdrock
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On 12/22/2018 at 11:20 PM, seaturtlehorsesnake said:

i've always been intensely lonely, so um... i guess i got some fun times to look forward to.

here you go...

5c3898b058d94_bighug.jpg.ce028bf80336367322824b20e6ab899d.jpg

 

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I have felt lonely at times during my life, usually when depression rears its ugly head.  But I'm not a lonely person, if that makes sense.  I have a good support system, with my hubby and other family as well as friends to talk to.  

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My family were never social with other people.  It passed on to me.  I never had friends at school, or at college, or at work.  Yet I still had a good childhood and upbringing.  I rarely say more than a few dozen words a day (if that).  Never went out and socialised because I never felt the need to.  Bought a cheap phone about 12 years ago just for emergencies.  Top up my phone balance just £10 once a year.  I have been all over the world (on my own) and seen so much beauty in this world.  34 now.  Always had a cat or dog in the house, so I guess that counts as having someone to care for and talk to.  My uncle and aunties all live close to each other (walking distance) but they never meet, or care to meet each other.  I guess it must be genetics.  Some people are happy and content with isolation and solitude, while others I'm told are the opposite and can't function outside a collective group.

 

Edited by Aaron2016
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