Life Examined
Global loneliness and the wonders of human touch
In the wake of the pandemic, there is much to be done to restore human connectivity, but loneliness is hardly a new phenomena. Long periods of isolated living in an increasingly virtual world is taking a toll on our health.
By Jonathan Bastian • • 50m ListenIn the wake of the pandemic, there is much to be done to restore human connectivity, but loneliness is hardly a new phenomena. Long periods of isolated living in an increasingly virtual world is taking a toll on our health. Being lonely is especially prevalent in young adults and according to a 2019 survey from YouGov, one in five millennials reported that they didn’t have a single friend. KCRW speaks with Noreena Hertz, author of the book “The Lonely Century: How to Restore Human Connection in a World That's Pulling Apart.” Also Doctor Tiffany Field talks about how the human touch can lead to less stress and a longer life.
In this episode
2 storiesThe global increase in loneliness
Several years ago, British economist Noreena Hertz began to notice something different: An increasing number of her students said that they felt lonely.
Read the story31 minThe wonder and science behind human touch
Studies with premature babies and in Romanian orphanages show when infants and babies are caressed, they flourish and gain weight. But when they are touch-deprived, both their physical and mental health are severely impaired.
Read the story19 min
