Today on 5 June Sweden holds its first national day against loneliness. Helén Andersson from Singel i Sverige highlights the issue as a major public health problem.
Millions of Swedes lack someone to share everyday life with. Almost two million live alone and six percent say they often or always feel lonely according to the Public Health Agency. Helén Andersson who runs Singel i Sverige says it is as dangerous to be alone as to smoke. She is arranging several meetings around the country during the day. Andersson points out that people have become afraid to meet others and that the internet has contributed to the development. She is short of 30 men ahead of the midsummer celebration in Falkenberg.