Loneliness is being studied as a serious health issue and being dealt with as a public health issue in United Kingdom.

It is fascinating to learn that we now have evidence of (brain) cellular change associated with loneliness

both in animals(mice) and humans.

In other words, loneliness is becoming a medical issue, not just a social issue.

A very interesting yet very important and enlightening article, indeed.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-athletes-way/201602/loneliness-stems-neural-roots-in-the-back-your-brain
 

My idea is that if you are lonely, you might as well learn to enjoy it.
Here, the main thing is "to learn and practice" whatever it is.

When I came to America, I lived alone for 7 years.
Actually, I was so busy with training that I didn't have much time to even feel bad about loneliness.
But during the holidays, it got on me.

But my loneliness was specifically "intended" for a goal,
a part of a grand plan for my life.
So, it wasn't a part of the above article.

Once in a while, I enjoy solitude, especially in the nature and on the mountain

because it make me a part of the environment.
If I have too many friends or family with me, I am practically at the city or at home. I am not really in the nature.

Loneliness may be bad but solitude is wonderful at times.

WM,

You described your way of dealing with it, which is remarkable.

Each of us has no choice but dealing with it.

Like Henry Nouwen said, it is the cross we have to carry until the final moment of our life.

How effective the method each is taking is, that may well be the critical question.

This article touches on some recent medical research on loneliness that demonstrates 

organic cellular changes associated with short term loneliness in mice, which is new.

We don't seem to have any good data on chronic loneliness which is the most challenging

problem facing each elderly and the aging society of the developed countries other than

the epidemiological finding that shows the chronic loneliness often leads to physical illnesses

of many kinds.

All I can say is that we need all the help and all the ideas and more scientific data involving our brains

to deal with one of the most challenging problems facing the elderly including you, me, our friends,

and our contemporaries.