DC is America’s Loneliest City
Loneliness is a growing epidemic, affecting millions of people across the United States. According to AARP, social isolation affects around 47 million Americans aged 45 and over, with approximately 22 million of those aged 65 or older. These numbers are a stark reminder that loneliness is no longer just an issue for seniors, but an issue that impacts people of all ages.
As it turns out, Washington, D.C., is one city that stands out as particularly afflicted by loneliness. According to research conducted by Healthline, this nation’s capital has been designated as the most lonely city in America. Healthline analyzed the social connections, health, and overall well-being of over 300 cities, and D.C. came out on top for its high level of loneliness.
So, how can we alleviate this problem in D.C.? One innovative approach is being spearheaded by DC-based non-profit organization, SecondMuse, which has embarked on a novel project to use robotic pets as a means to combat loneliness in the city. The project involves deploying 1,000 robotic pets, such as the toy-like robotic puppy, Joy For All, designed specifically for elderly people.
While it may sound unconventional, this approach has yielded promising results elsewhere. For example, a trial conducted in Singapore found that introducing robotic pets into the lives of elderly residents increased their social engagement and reduced loneliness by up to 60 percent.
In DC, the 1,000 robotic pets are being distributed across the city through a partnership between SecondMuse and local housing authorities, schools, and libraries. The project aims to pair each robotic pet with a volunteer, who will spend time playing, cuddling, and bonding with the resident, providing both emotional support and social interaction.
