Questão de Língua Inglesa

– Questões de 13 a 17 Loneliness, Social Connection and Public Health Social connection is increasingly recognised as a fundamental determinant of health and well-being. While people often associate loneliness with old age, research shows that it can affect individuals of every age group. Children, adolescents, adults, and older people may all experience loneliness, although its causes and consequences vary according to personal, social, economic, and cultural circumstances. The World Health Organization distinguishes loneliness from social isolation. Social isolation refers to the objective lack of social relationships or interactions, whereas loneliness is the distressing feeling that arises when a person's social relationships do not meet their desired quality or quantity. Someone may have many social contacts and still feel lonely, while another person with relatively few interactions may not experience loneliness. Persistent loneliness has been associated with poorer physical and mental health. Studies suggest that it may increase the risk of depression, anxiety, cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and premature mortality. At the same time, loneliness should not be understood simply as an individual problem. Social inequalities, discrimination, poverty, unsafe neighbourhoods, digital exclusion, and limited access to community resources may all contribute to social disconnection. Página 9 Addressing loneliness therefore requires more than encouraging individuals to expand their social networks. Governments, health services, schools, workplaces, urban planners, and community organisations all play important roles in creating environments that promote meaningful social participation. Strengthening social connection is increasingly recognised not only as a matter of individual well-being but also as an important public health priority. Adapted from: WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION. From loneliness to social connection: charting a path to healthier societies. Geneva: WHO Commission on Social Connection, 2025.

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