Fighting Solitude in Stuttgart: A Look at the City's Campaign Against Loneliness

In a bid to combat the rising issue of loneliness in modern society, Stuttgart, a city in Germany, has taken a proactive approach. According to sociologist Rainald Manthe, many people are moving in homogeneous groups, leading to an increase in those who have withdrawn from public life.

Loneliness, a growing concern, has been linked to negative effects on mental and physical health. Studies show that it can increase the risk of high blood pressure, anxiety disorders, and depression. Moreover, it weakens trust in democratic structures and reduces overall well-being. Loneliness is considered as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes daily and is twice as harmful as obesity.

Recognising the severity of the issue, Stuttgart has been relying on social, sporting, and cultural structures to address loneliness. The city has approximately 58,000 residents who experience loneliness, representing 11.6% of its population. In 2022, Stuttgart became the first municipality in Germany to develop a strategy against loneliness, with the support of the city council.

The strategy involves further developing existing offers and aligning them more strongly with the topic of loneliness. Since 2022, the German federal government has implemented the first official "Strategy against Loneliness," which includes concrete goals and measures aimed at reducing loneliness. Improving digital competencies among seniors and increasing support through public libraries and digital advisory services for older adults are some of the measures included.

Encounters to help combat loneliness are encouraged to take place in people's living environments, such as through neighbours or attentive staff in local businesses. Places of encounter, such as multifunctional spaces, are also needed to counter this isolation.

A network of different actors has emerged in Stuttgart to combat loneliness. The initiative began in 2022 with a meeting of all involved organisations. The second Stuttgart Conference against Loneliness was held on Wednesday at the town hall, with five expert forums discussing the topic of reaching loneliness-stricken individuals.

However, the challenge lies in reaching the "invisible third" in society, as Manthe calls it, who have very little trust in state institutions and media. These individuals, often vulnerable groups such as those living in poverty, with health restrictions, or with a migration background, are particularly susceptible to loneliness.

In an effort to assess the living situation of its inhabitants, Stuttgart conducts a citizen survey every two years. The 2021 survey found an increased loneliness burden in 11.3% of the total population aged 18 and over in Germany.

The fight against loneliness is a collective responsibility, and Stuttgart's approach serves as an inspiration for other cities and communities to take action against this pressing issue.

Fighting Solitude in Stuttgart: A Look at the City's Campaign Against Loneliness