There have probably never been so many people at home alone at the same time as during the Corona lockdown. Isolation has been a curse for some, a blessing for others.
Father Christian lives in the Engelszell Trappist monastery in Upper Austria. “Lockdown. I didn’t even notice that, we overslept it in the monastery. Because we are in permanent lockdown,” he jokes. “We didn’t go without anything during that time because we don’t go out.” He prefers to stay in the monastery. For him, being alone is a way to be closer to God.
How people in Germany and Austria fare who are alone – regardless of whether they want to or are forced to – is told in a documentary that 3sat will broadcast this Wednesday (April 5) at 8:15 p.m.: “Desire or agony – the many sides of being alone “. The film can also be viewed for three months in the 3sat media library.
It doesn’t just affect the elderly
In addition to Father Christian, viewers also get to know the science journalist and sociologist Jakob Simmank, “Back-Omi” Lucia, the writer and filmmaker Sarah, the friends Jorge and Ateş and the comedienne Ina Jovanovic. Some are consciously looking for peace and quiet, while others are actively looking for company. They share their experiences and views and paint a picture with many different colors.
Loneliness is often associated with old age. But studies show that not only old people, but also young people know the feeling of isolation. While everyone can experience loneliness from time to time, certain demographics seem to be more likely to feel lonely.
Today, “loneliness” is almost synonymous with “problem”, considered a problem – “and I think that’s a problem,” says science journalist Jakob. Lucia also likes to be alone. “I’m just missing the check card from the second,” says the active pensioner and laughs. Jorge, on the other hand, doesn’t like being alone. “Thank God I have the imagination and the opportunity to escape – somewhere in other worlds, in my imagination.” He also met Ateş through a club.
Regular social contacts have a preventive effect against social isolation and thus against one of the main causes of loneliness. Clubs like the one that brought Ateş and Jorge together, a “Ministry for Loneliness” in England, “Plauderbenke” in Austria and other initiatives should help.
3sat “Desire or Agony”
