There is a problem in the UK of a breakdown of society. It can be seen in many aspects of our communities and is often evidenced in our media.
One aspect is the increased rates of people in their 40s being admitted to hospital from drink and drug abuse. It was ascertained that, in the three years leading up to and including 2013, 120,000 out of 500,000 people (nearly one in five) admitted for this reason were in their 40s.
It has been suggested that the heavy drinking and drug taking was catching up with that generation, particularly among the poorer sections of society (being four times more likely than richer areas to end up in hospital).
Roger Foster commented: ‘The bulk of the problem is in this age group. It seems they are the ones that have used drinks and drugs more than the previous generations and it is now catching up with them in middle age.’
Problems were also being experienced by people in their 30s, who were responsible for nearly 70,000 admissions in this time bracket. This evidence suggests that substance abuse has continued in younger age groups, although there is proof that this abuse of the body may be diminishing in future generations (see my article on the younger generation - https://sites.google.com/site/beingadisciple/reflections/the-younger-generation---the-pressure-and-the-pride).
One of the reasons why many turn to substance abuse is because of loneliness. A survey by the BBC (conducted by ComRes in October 2013) has suggested that 48 per cent of England’s adults experienced feelings of loneliness. London is stated to be the loneliest place with a figure of 52 per cent compared to 45 per cent in the South West of England.
Other results were:
· One in five people felt lonelier now than they did a decade earlier.
· People who live alone suffer from loneliness more frequently than people who share their homes with others.
· The highest proportion of people who live alone are aged 65 years and above
Another survey, this time by the Red Cross among British adults (in January 2014), has come up with the following findings:
· A third felt as though they had no-one to turn to in in a time of crisis.
· Nearly three-quarters had been through a time of crisis already.
· 37% thought they could have a repeat experience of a crisis within the next five years.
· Many were worried that, as they grew older, they would be less mobile and so would be lonely and isolated as a result.
· About one in eight felt that people in the UK did not suffer crises in the same way as citizens of other countries.
Sir Nick Young, the Chief Executive of the British Red Cross, remarked: ‘We understand that every crisis is personal and can have a lasting impact on the individual affected.
‘There are a growing number of people facing crisis in this country and our research shows over 30% of people would be reluctant to turn to a voluntary organisation because they are embarrassed to ask for help, or a fear of diverting resources.’
In research commissioned by the insurer Liverpool Victoria, it was found that the number of people living alone in the UK is growing at a rate of 10 times (i.e. 129 per cent) that of the general population (which in itself is growing by 13 per cent) – rising from 3.8 million in 1974 to 8.7 million in 2014. Younger people will spend 50 per cent longer living by themselves than that experienced by members of their parents’ generation. An average British person currently in the 20s age group is now likely to live alone for an average of 15 years during their lifetime, compared to the ten years experienced by those presently approaching retirement.
The situation is due to the combined effects of people marrying later and living longer as well as this age group more likely to divorce. The research also indicates that those living alone pay on average £1,800 more on housing, utilities and other household expenses than people who are part of a couple.
Another piece of research, this time by the International Longevity Centre (ILC – UK) and the charity Independent Age, shows that more men are facing loneliness and isolation in their old age with the number in England predicted to increase by 65% by 2030. The report ‘The Emerging Crisis for Older Men’ states that older women would be more likely to outlive their husbands but, by 2030, there will be an increasing number of men out living their wives (from 911,000 in 2014 to 1.5 million in 2030). The suggested reasons include the following: men have less contact with family and friends than women of similar ages; and men are less likely to ask for support.
In response, Laura Ferguson, the Director of the Campaign to End Loneliness, commented: ‘With social isolation and loneliness posing a serious risk to their health, local activities must be more tailored to suit men’s interests and needs.’
Loneliness is a common occurrence. Paul wrote: ‘At my first defence, no-one came to my support, but everyone deserted me.’ (2 Timothy 4: 16) The psalmist felt something similar as ‘he was a bird alone on the road.’ (Psalm 102: 102: 7) and it is written: ‘My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds; my neighbours stay far away.’ (Psalm 38: 11)
Even Jesus knew what it was to be alone as even the Father turned His back on Him on the cross. Yet, in the midst of the situation, there was hope as Jesus prophesied to His disciples: ‘But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.’ (John 16: 32)
Although people may be isolated and lonely, God has promised: ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ (Deuteronomy 31: 6) He has also promised to set the lonely in families (Psalm 68: 8).
We are called to reach out to others who may be lonely – the friend with skin on (Proverbs 17: 17) – and to share the love that God has given us to those who are experiencing loneliness.
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