There is enough research about ageing and loneliness. Though a lot of people keep writing about loneliness, somehow I think loneliness is underestimated. 

In my views, a person who is lonely actually understands the true meaning of loneliness. Loneliness is not only dependent upon external factors, it is an individual mindset.

While it is easy to advocate about elders being lonely and isolated but I feel we undermine the damage caused by loneliness. 

The larger point of debate is, how many of us feel lonely in a crowd or being surrounded by friends and family? Can loneliness be classified as a disease similar to depression?

To be honest my personal view is, a lot of us feel lonely at some point. The question being, is it natural to feel that way and for how long!! I have no answers to that.

All I can say is, it is not only the elderly who feel lonely and isolated, we all feel lonely. Loneliness needs to be addressed at the beginning stage otherwise it can lead to bigger issues like depression, suicidal thoughts, negativity etc.

Social media has helped a lot of people from feeling isolated and neglected but then it comes with its own set of drawbacks.

As they say an empty mind is a devil’s workshop. I am sure these old idioms have some weightage in them.

Pankaj Mehrotra