SLC-S29/W2-“Thinking and Ideas!| Simple Solutions to Big Problems!”

I am here to discuss about one of the big problems people facing in this contest "WEEK 2: Simple Solutions to Big Problems" by @ninapenda and invite @ripon0630 @affy and @bossj23 to tell us what they feel. But I can vouch for: Complex problems do not always need complex solutions. Sometimes, small ideas create the biggest impact.

Now I will answer your questions which I often face and found my ways to solve them

A global and local problem -"Loneliness" and my solutions do not rely on technology

Oh yes, the world faces countless issues, spanning global crises and local struggles, yet loneliness stands out as a pervasive challenge across every age group, from children and teens to young adults and the elderly.

I have been a victim of loneliness during my official travel when, after finishing the official work, I had to spend almost 14-15 hours in my hotel room, and as I don't fancy watching TV for more than 1-2 hours a day unless it's a live game, the loneliness always took over me.

So I had opted for a couple of simple but realistic solutions that had nothing to do with advanced technology.

For me, a simple, realistic solution to loneliness involves daily walks in local parks or neighborhoods to get involved in casual interactions and a sense of belonging. It works for me, as these walks expose me to spots like the beautiful gardens of the cities I visit, where morning strolls lead me to greetings with even unknown strollers or observing community activities, easing isolation without effort.

Walking with a group

This definitely aligned with nature's mood-boosting effects, reducing loneliness through fresh air and movement, much like my park routines or seaside reflections. I always choose a nearby park or route, such as those situated in all big cities that I visited at peak times like mornings when people exercise or chat.

I mostly spent 20-30 minutes daily smiling or nodding at passersby, which at times sparked organic conversations. Besides being an immature photographer, my hobby of photographing local scenes made it more enjoyable.

You see, my routine travel and these outings evolved into hellos turning into talks, joining group walks, including paid walks. That's true; during my stay in Australia, I paid fees for group walks that supported noble causes like cancer support, child care, or old age support. That was fun and released my loneliness, turning it into fun moments.

That was my way of volunteering at local community events, which offers another straightforward way to combat loneliness through shared purpose and face-to-face bonds.

There was nothing better if I were with kids or family, because outdoor play amplifies bonding, as we did small talk and noted music and activities. Consistency turns solitude into subtle community ties.​

Participating in neighborhood clean-ups, especially during festival preparations, or helping at nearby parks builds instant camaraderie without needing prior connections, as people naturally collaborate. This mirrors our interest in local exploration and outdoor activities, turning solo routines into group efforts that bring a strange sense of belonging.

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Even after my retirement I have committed myself to one event weekly, focusing on simple tasks like going to pick polythene in groups with like-minded people. These regular volunteering shifts focus outward, reducing isolation as conversations flow during tasks, much like we meet people during evening parties. I will not mention my blogging as it comes in technology category but it helps me keep loneliness at bay.

You might laugh if I tell you that window shopping is one of them because it serves as an effective, low-tech antidote to loneliness by immersing me in the local markets. You see, strolling through busy streets like those in markets exposes us to vibrant crowds, shopkeepers' chatter, and familiar as well as unfamiliar ones, naturally easing isolation through ambient social energy. This lifts the mood without forced interaction.

I mostly did this activity in the evenings after returning from my official work and heading out to the nearby market rushes, pausing at stalls for casual price checks or compliments on goods, spending 30-45 minutes weaving through shops. That was fun and, of course, killed loneliness.

Me window Shopping

Who would benefit most from this solution?

Older people or even in their midlife, especially city dwellers, benefit most from these low-tech solutions like walking, volunteering, and window shopping. Residents in dense neighborhoods like big cities gain the most, as these activities leverage nearby parks and markets for effortless daily exposure to familiar faces, countering isolation from disrupted routines.

I would say quiet types who enjoy solo outings, such as I, meet a few park strollers who thrive here; for them, these methods build bonds gradually without overwhelming small talk, turning passive observation into organic connections.

I feel families and parents noting kids' outdoor play or people with forced travel (e.g., marketing people) and also professionals living in distant cities alone will find extra value, as group volunteering or market rambles will help them forget loneliness and bring bonding and fresh relations from local vibes.

What possible challenges or limitations do you think your idea might face?

These low-tech solutions, like walking, volunteering, window shopping, and similar activities, like the one I said about charity walks, face challenges rooted in personal circumstances and environment.

These activities have weather dependencies, such as in case it's rainy or foggy; mornings, common in my area, can deter outdoor routines like park strolls or market visits, disrupting consistency and forcing indoor isolation.

I faced a lot of loneliness during COVID when my wife had gone to her relatives and the borders closed and there was no way we could go out. I had to opt for gadgets, and that was the time when I started blogging as a solution.

Social hesitation is common in introverts, or those with past solo habits may struggle with initial awkwardness in striking up conversations during volunteering or shopping, slowing the gradual bond-building process.

​Sometimes I faced my busy schedules, family duties, or distant locations of ideal spots that limited frequency, or maybe I had a bad day with my dealers that especially stopped me for window shopping or event-based volunteering.

By the way, I would like to mention here that not every time when I went out I encountered friendly locals immediately, but some of them were not interested or reserved, which taught me the importance of patience even if I felt persistent loneliness. But that's all part of the game, and the show must go on. I kept trying to figure out how to get rid of my loneliness even in the worst situations. I am still doing it.

Images all mine