Federal Statistical Office: Young adults feel the loneliest. Young adults between the ages of 18 and 29 are most affected.
Almost one in four people of this age often suffers from loneliness. Chronic loneliness permanently increases the level of the stress hormone cortisol in the blood. It significantly increases the risk of developing high blood pressure, sleep disorders, heart attacks, strokes, cancer or dementia. People without social contacts also pay less attention to themselves. A study showed that people with a functioning circle of friends have an up to 50 percent lower risk of death.