This video is part of a second-year project developed by Clive Tan (2022, Singapore), Eaint Thiri Thu (2022, Myanmar), Putri Widi Saraswati (2022, Indonesia) of the Equity Initiative as part of their Induction Year. 

Originally created as a book titled Why People Get Sick—And Some More Than Others, the project brings together a series of short, story-based narratives that explore the social determinants of health across Southeast Asia. 

Through lived experiences, the stories highlight how factors such as identity, environment, income, relationships, and access to care shape health outcomes in ways that are often not visible in traditional medical education. 

Building on the book, the stories have been adapted into a series of short films in collaboration with Rennta Chrisdiana (2019, Indonesia) and Fetu and their team of filmmakers — extending their reach and making them more accessible to wider audiences. 

Loneliness

This film tells the story of Mok, an older woman navigating grief, isolation, and the quiet realities of aging alone. Through her experience, the story explores how loneliness and social isolation can profoundly impact both mental and physical health, particularly among older adults. 

While often overlooked, these social factors are critical determinants of health, influencing everything from emotional well-being to long-term health outcomes.