New York Names First Ambassador of Loneliness, Ruth Westheimer

What's the story?

• On Nov. 9, media personality and sex expert Dr. Ruth Westheimer was appointed New York's first ambassador of loneliness by Gov. Kathy Hochul. 
• Dr. Ruth Westheimer, a 95-year-old psychosexual therapist and author of over 37 books, gained fame in the 1980s and '90s through her influential radio and television shows. Many know Westheimer as a trusted authority on sex and relationships in America.
• Gov. Hochul is spearheading efforts in New York to strengthen the mental health care system and promote age-friendly communities. In 2022, Hochul signed an executive order to establish the state's inaugural Master Plan for Aging to foster healthy and independent living for older New Yorkers.
• In alignment with Westheimer's appointment, experts are urging the U.S. public health system to lead national efforts against the loneliness epidemic.

The loneliness epidemic

• This year, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy labeled loneliness a national epidemic, affecting about half of adults. In an advisory calling attention to the epidemic, Murthy cited research showing that social isolation is linked to a lifespan reduction equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
• According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, social isolation correlates with health issues like cardiovascular disease, depression, and premature death. 
• The Department of Health and Human Services reported that the physical health consequences of poor social connection include a 29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, a 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults, and a 60% increased risk of premature death.

Loneliness ministers around the world 

• In 2018, then-U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May appointed Tracey Crouch as the world's first Minister of Loneliness to address social isolation, which was noted as a "sad reality of modern life" for too many people.
• In Feb. 2021, Tetsushi Sakamoto was appointed Japan's first "minister of loneliness" to address the rising suicide rates linked to growing social and economic isolation, particularly affecting working women and single mothers.

Does every country need a 'Minister of Loneliness'?

-Laura Woods & Jamie Epstein

(Image credit: Unsplash)