Loneliness is described as the painful feeling that arises from a gap between desired and actual social connections.
A new report from the World Health Organization commission
on social connections shows that loneliness exacerbates chances of deaths among
people.
The report says that loneliness is responsible for an
estimated 100 deaths every hour, which makes up more than 871 000 deaths
annually. The global report further states that 1 in 6 people worldwide is
affected by loneliness, with significant impacts on health and well-being.
Dr Vivek Murthy, co-chair of the WHO Commission on Social
Connection, and former Surgeon General of the United States of America said that loneliness and isolation are a defining challenge of our time.
WHO defines social connection as the ways people relate to
and interact with others. Loneliness is described as the painful feeling that
arises from a gap between desired and actual social connections, while social
isolation refers to the objective lack of sufficient social connections.
“In this age when the possibilities to connect are endless,
more and more people are finding themselves isolated and lonely,” said Dr
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Apart from the toll it
takes on individuals, families and communities, if left unaddressed, loneliness
and social isolation will continue to cost society billions in terms of health
care, education and employment.”
According to the report, loneliness affects people of all
ages, especially youth and people living in low- and middle-income countries
(LMIC). Between 17–21 per cent of individuals aged 13–29-year-olds reported feeling
lonely, with the highest rates among teenagers. About 24 per cent of people in
low-income countries reported feeling lonely.
“Even in a digitally connected world, many young people feel
alone. As technology reshapes our lives, we must ensure it strengthens—not
weakens—human connection. Our report shows that social connection must be
integrated into all policies—from digital access to health, education, and
employment,” said Chido Mpemba, co-chair of the WHO Commission on Social
Connection and Advisor to the African Union Chairperson.
Social isolation is estimated to affect up to 1 in 3 older
adults and 1 in 4 adolescents. Some groups, such as people with disabilities,
refugees or migrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and indigenous groups and ethnic
minorities, may face discrimination or additional barriers that make social
connection harder.
Loneliness and social isolation have multiple causes. They
include, for instance, poor health, low income and education, living alone,
inadequate community infrastructure and public policies, and digital
technologies.
The report amplifies the need for vigilance around the
effects of excessive screen time or negative online interactions on the mental
health and well-being of young people.
According to WHO, Social connection can protect health
across the lifespan. It can reduce inflammation, lower the risk of serious
health problems, foster mental health and prevent early death. It can also
strengthen the social fabric, contributing to making communities healthier,
safer and more prosperous.
In contrast, loneliness and social isolation increase the
risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline, and premature
death. It also affects mental health, with people who are lonely twice as
likely to get depressed. Loneliness can also lead to anxiety, and thoughts of
self-harm or suicide.