Pondering how to make a difference with the loneliness epidemic

[kristina]

So I was on Youtube, and in the recommended section, I saw this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gep6UGZm6h4

I was curious and decided to watch it and it really brought my attention to the loneliness a lot of people deal with in their everyday lives. Like, on one hand I know this, but I've been so concerned with my own loneliness issues, I haven't thought about all the people out there living really lonely lives, with no family or friends or nothing. I mean, at least I have family, some friends, neighbours, and this forum. Some people have NOBODY and they're old and nobody in society gives them any thought. It's sad.


And then I have also watched videos like these:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dscDPIf0GJI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1QsSBtcDc0


I feel like I want to be able to DO something about it that can make a big difference  and help people going through stuff like this, but I don't know what I could do that would help a lot of people. I could make friends with a lonely old person or two, but how could I do something that helps A LOT of people, you know?

I wanna figure out a way to empower people like this, you know? Help them find a way to start making friends. But right now, I'm not sure how I can even improve my own social life. But it kinda gives me a desire to aim for. I really would like to be able to take this loneliness and pain I've gone through and use it as inspiration to help others going through the same thing. I just don't know what I could do...

But it gets me thinking: Just what kind of thing could help ease this epidemic of loneliness in first world countries?

If somebody started a website or an app to bring lonely people together, would that help? I tried Meetup.com, but it didn't really work out so well for me.

When that old guy in the first video said he would just like to meet some women of his generation at a karaoke bar and have a conversation with them where there was mutual understanding, it made me wonder why it's so hard for him to be able to meet women his age like that and have those kinds of conversations and what can be done to help him accomplish that goal? I wonder what could be done to help these people socialize more and start making friends, you know?

Does anybody have any ideas to brainstorm?

Gosh EP I know how you feel. I hope the next thing I say doesn't offend you as I truly know what it's like to hurt for others. It's such a blessing to hear how much you care. I love that. It's beautiful. Anyway.....I think..... why do I put myself out for other people? And do it so much almost to the point I get very overwhelmed. BUT! I do it because I identify with the people just as you are describing. I'm not saying to be a doormat and allow people to use you. That's love without applying a little wisdom. I am lonely to an extent. Not the type of lonely where I need a ton of people calling me or following me around but that understand my deepest thoughts, cares and what I honor (like the Law of One). I recognize this need in myself and that's why I do it for my brothers and sisters. I carry a little of their heavy load or love them when they find it hard to love themselves or accept the unacceptable. I do it every chance I get. I help them and they help me. They feel better and I feel better. I would do whatever I could to help another person in need. BUT! I balance that with my own needs. Good luck. Your plight is actually a beautiful thing. We could use more people like you.