Loneliness

From time to time, we all feel lonely. It is a natural part of life and the body’s way of signaling that we need social contact. But for some people, the feeling of loneliness settles in and becomes prolonged and harmful. This has a major impact on our quality of life, and when we are lonely for long periods of time, our bodies react with increased blood pressure and stress.

The Mary Foundation’s vision within the area of Loneliness is that everyone should have access to close, respectful relationships — where others are there for them, and where they can be there for others.

Our mission is to initiate and disseminate new knowledge about the causes and consequences of loneliness.

We contribute to the development of new approaches in the field and create, test, and embed methods that can prevent, relieve, and reduce loneliness. We shed light on the paths into and out of loneliness, break the taboo, and reach out to those who feel lonely and to those around them. We create hope for the many people experiencing loneliness by showing that it can be overcome.

Partnerships and Networks

Part of The Mary Foundation’s work in the area of loneliness involves participating in relevant partnerships and networks. For many years, we have been part of the steering committee for People’s Movement Against Loneliness. And in 2020, we also became part of the More in Communities initiative, as a member of the steering committee.

Facts about Loneliness

• Loneliness is a subjective, unpleasant feeling that arises from a perceived gap between an individual’s desired and actual social relationships. It is more about the quality of relationships than their quantity.
  (Interventioner, der skal mindske ensomhed, DEFACTUM, 2021)
• A 2023 study using national population data shows that 12% of the Danish population feel severely lonely. Loneliness is most common among young people, with 17% of 16–24-year-olds reporting severe loneliness.
  (Ensomhed i Danmark, Epinion, 2024)
• Short-term loneliness is normal and harmless, whereas long-term loneliness affects both physical health and overall wellbeing.
  (Ensomhed i Danmark, DEFACTUM, 2017)