and unlike solving the problem of horizontal scaling, a mathematical equation or something with a clear solution, there is no clear, Silicon Valley style cure to this problem.

You can't exactly Facebookify people who are lonely.

Also, AFAIR(r=recall), Japan has a similar issue of loneliness.

Makes you wonder though. Even if you cure the economic (poverty) and health issues (living into your old age), something else will probably get you (depression, loneliness, boredom, etc.)