Loneliness, a global threat

GENEVA (EFE)—One in six people worldwide is affected by loneliness, a problem that impacts mental health and contributes to some 871,000 deaths annually, warns the first report from the commission created by the World Health Organization (WHO) to combat this growing contemporary phenomenon.

The Commission on Social Connection study, published yesterday, reveals that loneliness and isolation affect people of all ages, including one-third of older adults and one-quarter of adolescents.

It's not a problem exclusive to developed countries: 24% of people in low-income economies suffer from it, compared to 11% in high-income countries.

“In an era where the possibilities for connection are endless, more and more people are feeling isolated and lonely,” warned WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus when the study was presented.

The WHO chief stressed that loneliness and social isolation not only have negative effects on individuals, families, and communities, but also cause billions of dollars in lost health, education, and employment costs.

According to the report, young people who suffer from loneliness are 22% more likely to have poor grades, and adults with this problem may find it difficult to maintain employment.

Loneliness and isolation, the study highlights, increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline, and premature death, in addition to affecting mental health, doubling the likelihood of developing depression.

The report by the commission, chaired by former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and African Union Special Envoy for Youth Chido Mpemba (Zimbabwe), emphasizes that the best remedy for combating these problems is social connection.

In addition to reducing the risk of serious illness, improving mental health, and limiting the risk of premature death, at the social level it can create "healthier and more resilient communities, including in response to disasters," the report notes.

To foster this social cohesion, the document presents various recommendations, including awareness campaigns, strengthening infrastructure for social contact (parks, libraries, cafes), and increasing access to psychological care.

Tasks for everyone

“Many people know what it's like to feel lonely, and everyone can help alleviate it with simple, everyday actions, from helping a friend in need to being truly present in a conversation and putting down their cell phone, saying hello to a neighbor, joining a local group, or volunteering,” suggests the UN health agency.

The report points to poor health, low income and education levels, insufficient community infrastructure, and digital technologies as the main factors contributing to loneliness.

On this last point, the WHO commission urges monitoring the effects that excessive screen time or negative online interactions can have on mental health, especially among young people.

“As technology reshapes our lives, we must be vigilant to ensure it strengthens, rather than weakens, human connection,” added commission co-chair Mpemba.

In 2023, when the WHO created the commission, it warned that loneliness was already as much a mortality factor as tobacco and alcohol use, physical inactivity, obesity, and air pollution.

“With this report, we have lifted the veil on loneliness and isolation, the defining challenge of our time,” Co-Chair Murthy emphasized.

FiguresWarning

In 2023, the WHO warned that loneliness was already a high mortality factor.

Benefits

Avoiding isolation reduces the risk of serious illness, improves mental health, and limits the risk of premature death.

Red lights

Excessive screen time or negative internet interactions can affect mental health.