No Simple Solution: How Governments are Addressing the Loneliness Crisis

Social isolation is emerging as a critical public health concern in developed countries around the world. And it is now clear that this is a multifaceted problem with no simple solution. Governments are choosing to respond in a variety of ways, trying different approaches to see if any progress can be made.

Japan is one of the countries most affected by this growing problem. In a recent, nationally-representative survey, 47% of Japanese people said they "always" or "sometimes" feel lonely. The country has responded with an exceptional level of political commitment, appointing a Minister for Social Isolation and Loneliness in 2021. The Japanese government later passed the "Act on the Advancement of Measures to Address Loneliness and Isolation." The first legislation of its kind in the world, the Act establishes a national framework led by the Prime Minister to coordinate efforts among government departments and private organizations. Japan is making a statement that the issue of loneliness is not a temporary political issue, but rather an enduring challenge in their society.

Ireland has opted for a public health-led approach that focuses on raising awareness and destigmatizing the issue. The country created a "Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020-2025" for tackling loneliness and isolation, especially among the elderly. A highly visible part of this effort is their "Hello Again World" multimedia campaign that encourages older people to reconnect with their communities. The Irish plan focuses on evidence-based interventions like promoting volunteering opportunities and group physical activities.

South Korea has adopted a groundbreaking strategy, recognizing that one root cause of loneliness is the lack of opportunities for meaningful interaction. In 2024, the Seoul Metropolitan Government launched its "Seoul Without Loneliness" plan, investing $322 million over five years. The plan focuses on implementing practical, community-based initiatives in the megacity of 9 million people. It includes the creation of "mind convenience stores" – highly innovative community centers where residents can sit in comfort, enjoy a simple meal, or talk with counselors.

Despite these major efforts around the world, some developed countries still lack a comprehensive national strategy. In Canada, the policy discourse on loneliness is primarily driven by nongovernmental organizations and research institutes.  For example, The Women’s Age Lab of the Toronto Women’s College Hospital has been advocating for the Canadian government to create a national strategy that measures and tracks loneliness as part of its regular data collection.

Widespread loneliness is a growing concern in most developed countries. Given the ever-expanding impact of this issue on public health, ignoring this crisis is no longer an option. These national-level initiatives are very new, and it will take time before we know which approaches can have the biggest impact. Countries will hopefully be able to learn from each other, allowing them to provide the best support and care for their populations in the long run.