Fighting loneliness with soup ⏲️ 6 Minute English

Summary

In this episode of '6 Minute English' from BBC Learning English, hosts Neil and Beth discuss loneliness, which has become a 'modern epidemic.' Despite living in crowded cities, many people feel disconnected. They explore the serious health risks associated with loneliness, such as dementia and heart disease. The program highlights a Dutch initiative called 'Oma's Soup,' which brings lonely elderly people together with students to make soup, fostering intergenerational connections. The episode also shares useful vocabulary related to loneliness and emphasizes the importance of reaching out to others for support.

Takeaways

• 😀 Loneliness is often called a 'modern epidemic' affecting people in towns and cities.
• 😔 Feeling lonely can affect anyone, regardless of being surrounded by others.
• ❤️ Loneliness is linked to health issues like dementia, depression, and heart disease.
• 👵 The tragic story of Bep de Bruin, who was found dead after being alone for 10 years, shocked the Netherlands and inspired action.
• 🍲 'Oma's Soup' is a project in the Netherlands that brings students and elderly people together to make soup, combating loneliness.
• 👨‍👩‍👦 The project connects younger generations with the elderly, encouraging social interaction and support.
• 💡 The idea for 'Oma's Soup' came from two young men, Max and Martijn, who wanted to help the elderly in their community.
• 📊 49% of British adults report feeling lonely at least some of the time, highlighting the scale of the issue.
• 👫 Bringing people together can help combat loneliness by fostering connection and friendship.
• 🕒 The programme also teaches new vocabulary, such as 'crave', 'left out', and 'bring someone together'.

Q & A

What is the main topic of discussion in the 6 Minute English episode?

The episode discusses loneliness, which has been described as the 'modern epidemic,' and explores a project in the Netherlands aimed at combating loneliness.

What is loneliness, according to Myra Anubi?

Myra Anubi describes loneliness as a feeling when you crave people's company, but find it hard to connect, or feel left out with no one to turn to for support.

How can loneliness affect a person's health?

Research shows that prolonged loneliness can lead to serious health issues, including a higher risk of depression, dementia, and heart disease.

What tragic event in Rotterdam inspired a national campaign to combat loneliness?

The death of 74-year-old Bep de Bruin, who was found dead in her home 10 years after her passing, inspired a national campaign in the Netherlands to address loneliness.

What is the goal of the 'Oma's Soup' project?

'Oma's Soup' aims to bring lonely elderly people together with schoolchildren and students to make soup, encouraging interaction between younger and older generations.

Who started the 'Oma's Soup' project, and why?

The project was started by Max Kranendijk and Martijn Canters, who were concerned about the isolation and loneliness of their grandparents' generation. They wanted to connect them with students who had free time.

What is the meaning of the Dutch word 'Oma'?

'Oma' means 'grandma' in Dutch, reflecting the project's focus on helping elderly people, particularly those in the grandparents' age group.

How does the project 'Oma's Soup' bring different generations together?

The project connects elderly people with students through the simple activity of making soup together, creating a space for interaction between two generations that might not normally engage.

What percentage of British adults report feeling lonely at least some of the time, according to the Campaign to End Loneliness?

49% of British adults report feeling lonely at least some of the time, which amounts to around 26 million people.

What vocabulary was introduced in the episode, and what do the terms mean?

Key vocabulary includes 'crave' (to have a strong desire for something), 'left out' (feeling excluded), 'turn to' (seeking help from someone), 'guy' (an informal term for a man), 'free time' (time when you do not have to work or study), and 'bring someone together' (helping people or groups become friendly or do something together).