GENEVA – A new global report from the World Health Organization (WHO) Commission on Social Connection reveals that one in six people worldwide is affected by loneliness, a pervasive issue with severe consequences for health and well-being. The report estimates that loneliness is linked to approximately 100 deaths every hour, totaling over 871,000 deaths annually. Conversely, strong social connections are shown to improve health and extend life significantly.
Dr. Vivek Murthy, Co-chair of the WHO Commission and former U.S. Surgeon General, emphasized the report’s aim to expose loneliness and isolation as “a defining challenge of our time,” outlining a roadmap to foster more connected lives and highlighting the profound impact on health, education, and economic outcomes.
WHO defines social connection as how people relate and interact, while loneliness is the painful feeling from a gap between desired and actual social connections. Social isolation, conversely, refers to an objective lack of sufficient social connections.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, noted the paradox of increasing isolation despite endless possibilities for connection. He warned that unaddressed loneliness and social isolation would cost society billions in healthcare, education, and employment, welcoming the Commission’s work in illuminating the issue and outlining pathways to reconnection.
Scale and Causes of Loneliness:
Loneliness impacts all age groups, with 17-21% of individuals aged 13-29 reporting feelings of loneliness, peaking among teenagers. The issue is particularly pronounced in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), where about 24% of people report loneliness, double the rate in high-income countries (approximately 11%).
Chido Mpemba, Co-chair of the Commission, stressed the need to integrate social connection into all policies, from digital access to health, education, and employment, especially as technology reshapes human interaction.
While data on social isolation is less comprehensive, it’s estimated to affect up to one in three older adults and one in four adolescents. Vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities, refugees, migrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and indigenous and ethnic minorities, often face additional barriers to social connection.
Multiple factors contribute to loneliness and social isolation, such as poor health, low income and education, living alone, inadequate community infrastructure and public policies, and digital technologies. The report specifically urges vigilance regarding the effects of excessive screen time and negative online interactions on the mental health of young people.
Impacts on Health, Quality of Life, and Economies:
Social connection acts as a protective factor for health across the lifespan, reducing inflammation, lowering the risk of serious health problems, fostering mental well-being, and preventing premature death. It also strengthens the community social fabric, contributing to healthier, safer, and more prosperous societies.
Conversely, loneliness and social isolation elevate the risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline, and premature death. Mental health is significantly affected, with lonely individuals twice as likely to experience depression and increased risks of anxiety, self-harm, or suicide.
The repercussions extend to learning and employment: teenagers reporting loneliness were 22% more likely to achieve lower grades or qualifications. Lonely adults may struggle to find or maintain employment and may earn less over time. At a community level, loneliness erodes social cohesion and incurs billions in lost productivity and healthcare costs.
A Path to Healthier Societies:
The WHO Commission’s report outlines a roadmap for global action across five key areas: policy, research, interventions, improved measurement (including a global Social Connection Index), and public engagement to shift social norms and build a global movement for social connection.
Solutions exist at national, community, and individual levels, ranging from awareness campaigns and policy changes to strengthening social infrastructure (e.g., parks, libraries, cafés) and providing psychological interventions.
The report emphasizes that simple, everyday actions—such as reaching out to a friend, being present in conversations, greeting neighbors, joining local groups, or volunteering—can make a significant difference. For more serious cases, seeking professional support is crucial.
The WHO urges all Member States, communities, and individuals to prioritize social connection as a public health imperative.
Access the full report here.
