According to a WHO report, one in six people worldwide suffers from loneliness

The World Health Organization (WHO) Commission on Social Determinants of Health has published a global report stating that one in six people worldwide suffers from loneliness, which has a significant impact on health and well-being. Loneliness is associated with approximately 100 deaths every hour, which amounts to more than 871,000 deaths per year. According to the report, strong social connections can lead to improved health and longer life.

The WHO defines social connections as the ways in which people interact with others. Loneliness is described as a painful feeling that arises from the gap between desired and actual social connections, while social isolation refers to the objective absence of sufficient social connections.

“In an age where opportunities for communication are endless, more and more people feel isolated and lonely,” says Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO. “Beyond the damage it causes to individuals, families, and communities, if left unaddressed, loneliness and social isolation will continue to cost society billions of dollars in health, education, and employment costs. The Commission’s report sheds light on the scale and consequences of loneliness and isolation and identifies key areas where we can help people reconnect in the most meaningful ways.”

The scale and causes of loneliness and social isolation

Loneliness affects people of all ages, especially young people and residents of low- and middle-income countries. Between 17% and 21% of people aged 13 to 29 reported feeling lonely, with the highest rates among adolescents. About 24% of people in low-income countries reported feeling lonely, which is twice the rate in high-income countries (about 11%).

Even in a world connected by digital technology, many young people feel lonely. As technology changes our lives, we must ensure that it strengthens, rather than weakens, connections between people. This report shows that social connections must be integrated into all programs—from access to digital technology to health, education, and employment.

Although data on social isolation is more limited, it 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, members of the LGBTQ+ community, indigenous peoples, and ethnic minorities, may face discrimination or additional barriers that make social connections difficult.

There are many causes of loneliness and social isolation. These include, for example, poor health, low income and education levels, living alone, inadequate community infrastructure and public policy, and digital technology. The report highlights the need to pay close attention to the impact of prolonged screen time or negative online interactions on the mental health and well-being of young people.

Impact on health, quality of life, and the economy

Social connections can protect health throughout life. They can reduce inflammation, lower the risk of serious health problems, strengthen mental health, and prevent premature death. They can also strengthen the social fabric, helping communities become healthier, safer, and more prosperous.

In contrast, loneliness and social isolation increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline, and premature death. They also affect mental health: people who feel lonely are twice as likely to suffer from depression. Loneliness can also lead to anxiety and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

The impact of loneliness extends to education and employment. Teenagers who felt lonely were 22% more likely to receive lower grades or scores. Adults who feel lonely may find it more difficult to find or keep a job, and over time they may earn less.

At the community level, loneliness undermines social cohesion and costs billions of dollars in lost productivity and healthcare costs. Communities with strong social connections tend to be safer and healthier.

The path to a healthier society

The WHO Commission on Social Connections report outlines a global action plan focused on five key areas: policy, research, interventions, improving measurement (including the development of a global social connections index), and public engagement, with the aim of changing social norms and strengthening the global movement for social connections.

Solutions to reduce loneliness and social isolation exist at several levels—national, community, and individual—and range from raising awareness and changing national policies to strengthening social infrastructure (e.g., parks, libraries, cafes) and providing psychological support.

Most people know what loneliness feels like. And everyone can make a difference by taking simple everyday steps — such as reaching out to a friend in need, putting down your phone to fully focus on a conversation, saying hello to a neighbor, joining a local group, or volunteering. If the problem is more serious, it is important to learn about the types of support and services available for people who feel lonely.

Social isolation and loneliness come at a high cost, but the benefits of social connections have far-reaching consequences.