Loneliness as the epidemic of the century discussed at Lampa festival
On July 11, the Lampa conversation festival in Cēsis will host a discussion on loneliness, now considered a serious health risk equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
A discussion titled ‘The Epidemic of the Century – Loneliness’ will take place at the Lampa festival in Cēsis on July 11 at 12:30 PM. Experts and public figures will debate loneliness as one of the 21st century's key challenges. A live video stream of the event will be available on the portal ‘Delfi’.
Loneliness is no longer just a feeling; international research equates its health risk to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Despite constant connectivity, more people feel a lack of belonging and emotional isolation. The discussion will explore why loneliness is increasing, where healthy solitude ends and destructive loneliness begins, and how it affects health, relationships, trust, and a sense of belonging.
Participants include neurologist Ainārs Stepens, psychiatrist Māris Taube, theologian Indulis Paičs, actor Kārlis Arnolds Avots, radio personality Linda Samsonova, and heads of NGOs ‘Skalbes’ and ‘Centrs MARTA’ – Anda Švinka and Iluta Lāce. The discussion will be moderated by journalists Dita Deruma and Ērika Staškeviča.
The second part will focus on the link between loneliness and violence, highlighting how violence often starts with isolation. Support services will be discussed. Special guest will be singer STIRNA (Lilita Vīdnere).
The Lampa festival is held in Cēsis for the 12th time on July 10–11. This year, around 400 events at 66 venues will seek answers to the central question: ‘What must not be left unspoken?’
