Loneliness: a lecture on the secret health risk!

Loneliness: a lecture on the secret health risk!

On March 26, 2025, a lecture by Professor Manfred Spitzer will take place in the Forum Alte Post in Pirmasens. The renowned brain researcher will deal with the subject of loneliness as a health risk. This lecture is part of the program of the Volkshochschule (VHS), which this spring semester focuses on the taboo topic loneliness under the title "Together instead of lonely". Professor Spitzer, who was born in 1958, studied medicine, psychology and philosophy at the University of Freiburg and trained as a psychiatrist. Until 1997 he was a senior physician at the Heidelberg University Clinic. Interested parties can purchase tickets in the VHS secretariat or register on the phone number (0 63 31) 21 36 47 or by email to adult highschule@pirmasens.de.

In his book "Loneliness. The undetected disease", Spitzer examines the growing loneliness in society. He notes that individualism, the increase in single households, contribute an increasing separation rate and an aging population to an increase in loneliness. The negative effects range from stress to a weakened immune system to serious health risks such as heart attack, stroke, depression, dementia and cancer. These findings are based on extensive research results and studies that Spitzer has collected. Certain brain regions, such as the anterior cingular cortex and the ventral prefrontal cortex, show that loneliness and pain are closely linked.

social trends and effects

The increase in loneliness affects not only older people, but also young people. Long -term studies show that this emotional contagion takes place within social groups. Spitzer also quotes the book "Lost among 100 friends" by Sherry Turkle to point out the influence of digital media. A survey among 1787 adults showed that over two hours of online use per day, doubles.

Nevertheless, Professor Spitzer also meets some criticisms. It is criticized that he lacks his own research and that the voice of those affected does not have sufficient say in his work. The definition of loneliness also remains unclear. Despite this criticism, he proposes some possible countermeasures to combat loneliness. These include singing in the choir, nature visits, voluntary work and donating money. However, he only recommends behavioral therapies in severe cases.

conclusion and outlook

Regardless of the criticism, Spitzer's book offers a deep insight into the topic of loneliness and represents it as an urgent social problem. The lecture in Pirmasens will probably offer a deeper examination of these questions. The focus on loneliness as a health risk is not only up to date, but also necessary in order to raise awareness of this often ignored problem. Organizers and contributors hope to achieve those affected by such initiatives and to remind you of loneliness.

For more information on these topics and the lecture by Professor Spitzer, the websites of Wochenspiegel online and Deutschlandfunk Kultur are consulted.