The dangers of loneliness| Richard Pile | TEDxSt Albans

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Published 2023-12-06
NOTE FROM TED: Please do not look to this talk for medical advice. This talk only represents the speaker's personal views and understanding of loneliness and disease. We've flagged this talk because it falls outside the content guidelines TED gives TEDx organizers. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelin…

Richard’s talk looks at a condition that many, many people will suffer from in their lives and is just as bad for you as cancer and yet we can all help cure via connecting with others.

That condition is loneliness. Richard will share his ideas that there is a simple, cheap, screening process for loneliness that can make a huge difference and we can all be involved in.
#Loneliness #Screening #Prevention #Wellbeing #Lifestyle

Richard is an NHS GP specialising in Lifestyle Medicine and Cardiology. He has written for the national press and the British Medical Journal. He is also the author of a book on wellbeing. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
All Comments (21)
  • @Girlybunches
    This is fascinating. I recently lost my husband suddenly and unexpectedly. Before that happened I was going weekly to a ukulele group, my husband would often come with me. After my husband passed, I dug deep and decided that I HAD to go back to the group straight away. If I didn’t I knew I would never be able to get back. I also wanted to make to be with people that knew my husband. I’m 11 months into this life I wouldn’t wish on anyone. If I’d not had the people at that ukulele group in my life I honestly don’t think I would’ve made it past the first few weeks. I’ve met some wonderful people in the past 11 months some of them have become so ingrained in my life I consider them family now. Social Prescribing is exactly what it is. I hope anyone feeling lonely can pluck up the courage to join a group of something that interests you. If you need a suggestion, buy a ukulele!
  • @mikepalin7050
    Sooooo important. Please listen. Thanks Richard. 🙏
  • @andys8702
    I recently had Cancer and i can tell you loneliness is worse than Cancer i am so lonely and heartbroken its long story to low to write about it right now.
  • @Missbeee27
    Such an interesting talk, I'd never thought about it until I watched this and it makes total sense. We could all help change this.
  • @ElfriedaPower-rg2vo
    This is brilliant Richard! Thank you for raising the issue of loneliness, we need to screen for this more, very powerful statistics! I didn’t know there was a TED X S Albans!
  • @gedbyrne8482
    Social prescribing sounds like a powerful movement. I hope we see it's impact in our communities. Not sure what the note from TED is about. There's no medical advice, just a practical recommendations from a somebody working at the front line. There's certainly no bad science here.
  • @skillsofWow
    great talk - it begs the question - what does a meaningful social connection feel like?
  • @ecorenovationhome
    Such an interesting talk - teaches us a great deal about our communities right now.
  • @BreakingBallet
    Such an important topic and delivered in an inspiring and thought provoking way. We can all do more in our communities.
  • @huwdawson4046
    Really interesting Richard. Scary figures. Great to know more about social prescribers.
  • @JakeWoolmer
    Brilliant watch and lovely to see it being in my hometown.
  • @pseabright
    I love the practicality of this talk, things we can all do to help the, far too many people are lonely.
  • @amruthashanbhag1360
    Excellent content! I have been researching about loneliness in elderly and what can be done to alleviate the issue. Social prescription seems like an effective initiative. Interested to know more about it. Thanks for sharing this educational talk.
  • @jilumiah
    That’s my GP, proud of him !
  • @davidstairs2476
    I've been so lonely I could cry but I don't think it would help getting worried feeling kind of invisible haven't drank in 2 yrs thought about starting back feels like that was my only friend
  • @valeriehealey1924
    Very interesting I am going blind and use long white cane I go out every morning early to walk I have made friends with lots of dog walkers I always say good morning to people Most reply , some don’t , probably the lonely ones
  • @truthsRsung
    Better Late than Never. What else did you learn during Covid?
  • @krembryle7903
    well as if it was my problem... people form small groups with people they like...I don't belong anywhere because I'm younger, I have trauma from abusive parents and come from poverty so I don't do interesting vacations or hobbies that I could talk about with them, so that's why I'm quiet. I'd love to have friends there. But this workplace seems to be fishing for the perfect, social employees, not encouraging the imperfect ones to grow.
  • @amelghrici3408
    SOS Gaza children and babies died no food no water many poeple died.poeple of usa stop this War please please