江西赣州南康区第三中学 江海连

The American Psychological Association(APA)warns that the loneliness epidemic(流行病)now represents a threat to public health that exceeds that of obesity.

Before getting into the specifics,we need to have a clear understanding of what loneliness is,and what it isn't:Loneliness is defined subjectively,not objectively.In other words,what matters is not how many friends you have or how many people you have around you on a daily basis.Rather,what matters is whether you feel emotionally or socially disconnected from others.Indeed,many people who are married and live with family members report feeling significant loneliness,because they feel emotionally disconnected from their partners and loved ones.

The most tragic and compelling aspect of the loneliness epidemic is how preventable it is.The problem is a fundamental lack of awareness,both for lonely people and for those around them.It isn't easy to approach a friend or loved one and express concerns about their smoking habits or their obesity,yet many of us do so regardless.But how many of us have approached a friend or loved one to discuss our concerns about their loneliness?

Public dialogues about the dangers of smoking and of obesity have gone on for decades.People who smoke and those who struggle with obesity are aware that their health and longevity are at risk.But lonely people are largely unaware of the risks they face,as are their friends and loved ones.

Consider that when a loved one smokes,there is nothing we can do to help them other than urge them to change their habits and lifestyle.But when it comes to loneliness we can actually be the solution:We can reach out,call,visit,include them in activities and get together.We can initiate deeper,more meaningful conversations and make them feel seen and loved.

Solutions should come from within our neighborhoods and communities as well.Local governments and neighborhood could organize activities for retired persons.Schools can urge students to visit with home-bound people or those with limited mobility.The options for interventions are numerous.

Reading Check

1.What can be learned from the second paragraph?

A.Those who often hang out with friends are less likely to feel lonely.

B.Those who live with family members are less likely to feel lonely.

C.Those who are married are more likely to feel lonely than unmarried ones.

D.Those who lack communication with partners are more likely to feel lonely.

2.Why do people seldom discuss the topic about loneliness with their friends?

A.It's too embarrassed to talk about it among friends.

B.Most people haven't realized the risk of loneliness.

C.This topic is one of the great taboos among friends.

D.It's not easy to approach a friend to discuss the problem.

3.Which of the following is mentioned to relieve loneliness?

A.We can urge our lonely friends to change their bad habits.

B.We can have heart-to-heart talks with our lonely friends.

C.Local governments can provide funds to help those lonely elderly people.

D.Schools can organize students feeling lonely to take outdoor activities.

Language Study

Difficult sentence

Indeed,many people who are married and live with family members report feeling significant loneliness,because they feel emotionally disconnected from their partners and loved ones.

【翻译】_____________________________________________________________________________

【点石成金】本句是一个主从复合句。在主句中who引导定语从句，修饰主语，because引导原因状语从句。