A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shed light on a growing concern in the United States: the loneliness epidemic. The report estimates that nearly 40 million American adults are living alone, a staggering 15% increase from the numbers recorded in 2012. This trend has been described as
It’s also a symptom of the way American cities and suburbs are designed. Where are the third places where you can walk to for hanging out after work? Where are the parks with restaurants, events, space for exercise? And even if they do exist, you’re packing up your car to be outside maybe once a week (because it’s a big thing to get your kid in the car) instead of just stepping out of the house.
Living life in most of the US is designed to feel lonely.
It’s also a symptom of the way American cities and suburbs are designed. Where are the third places where you can walk to for hanging out after work? Where are the parks with restaurants, events, space for exercise? And even if they do exist, you’re packing up your car to be outside maybe once a week (because it’s a big thing to get your kid in the car) instead of just stepping out of the house.
Living life in most of the US is designed to feel lonely.