Maybe GP means older as middle aged. I'm 40, moved countries four times in the last ten years, and after moving back to the US three years ago I haven't made a single friend. Since I was able to make many friends elsewhere I place some of the blame on American culture, but a lot of it is simply that people over 35 are settled in their ways and don't go out much.

I'm sure teens and twentysomethings can feel plenty lonely. But I imagine as an example a young adult girl won't have much trouble striking up a relationship with a 50-60+ man if they really wanted to. It might be awkward and they might have little in common but the younger party could have it anytime they wanted. Now reverse the situation for a 50-60 year old man seeking companionship among young adult girls and see how far you get.

It is one of those problems which has a tendency to cumulate. Fewer friends you have earlier, fewer you have later in life still.

Well connected people tend to stay that way.

common sense and observation, its relatively easier for a person overall to make connections during schooling years. Once people pair up and disperse into the workplace and especially after they start up families it becomes much more difficult for the odd man out.

Gatekeeping loneliness is hardly constructive.

Suggesting people start by solving larger problems before smaller ones is equally not constructive.

Why focus on loneliness at all when you can tackle climate change instead?

Ok, but please don't post unsubstantive comments here. Also, posturing over the rest of the community isn't helpful. If you know more, share some of what you know so the rest of us can learn from you.

Also, please note that the site guidelines ask: "Please don't comment about the voting on comments. It never does any good, and it makes boring reading."

https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html