The World Health Organisation (WHO) announced on Monday that no fewer than 871,000 people die each year worldwide because of loneliness. This shocking figure highlights a global health crisis that is often overlooked. According to the WHO commission, one in six people worldwide is affected by loneliness, and both loneliness and social isolation can lead to serious physical and mental health problems.
Loneliness is not just about feeling sad or alone. It is a serious issue that can increase the risk of strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, depression, anxiety, and even suicide. The WHO warns that the effects of loneliness are not limited to individuals; they also have a big impact on society as a whole. Billions of dollars are lost each year due to healthcare costs and lost productivity at work because people who are lonely or socially isolated struggle to find or keep jobs.
Who Is Affected by Loneliness?
Loneliness can affect anyone, but some groups are more at risk than others. According to the WHO report:
- One in three older people is socially isolated.
- One in four adolescents is also affected by social isolation.
Lonely teenagers are 22% more likely to achieve lower grades than their peers. Lonely adults face greater challenges in finding or keeping a job. The impact of loneliness is felt at every stage of life.
What Causes Loneliness?
There are many reasons why people become lonely or socially isolated. Some of the main causes include:
- Illness or disability
- Poor education
- Low income
- Lack of opportunities for social interaction
- Living alone
- Overuse of digital technologies
The WHO commission’s co-chair, Vivek Murthy, explains that loneliness is more than just being alone. He says:
“Loneliness is a painful, subjective feeling that many of us experience when the relationships that we need do not match the relationships that we have. And social isolation, by contrast, is an objective state of having few relationships or interactions.”
This means that someone can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely if they do not have meaningful connections. On the other hand, someone can be physically alone but not feel lonely if they have strong relationships.
The Role of Technology
Technology has changed the way we communicate. While it can help us stay in touch with friends and family far away, it can also make us feel more alone. Humans have communicated for thousands of years not only through words but also through facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, and silence. These forms of communication are lost when people rely only on mobile phones and social media.
Murthy and the WHO commission stress the importance of creating spaces in life where people can interact face-to-face without technological distractions. These spaces help people build real connections and reduce feelings of loneliness.
Sweden’s Example
The WHO highlighted Sweden as a positive example of how to tackle loneliness. The country has implemented a national strategy against loneliness. The Swedish Social Minister, Jakob Forssmed, explained that Sweden recognises loneliness as a social problem, not just an individual one.
Sweden is making efforts to foster social connections in places like shops, restaurants, neighbourhoods, and clubs. Soon, all children and teenagers in Sweden will receive prepaid cards that can only be used to book group leisure activities. This encourages young people to spend time together and build friendships.
Sweden also plans to ban mobile phones in public schools. Studies have shown that this increases social interaction and reduces cyberbullying. Children and teenagers sleep better and find it easier to put their phones aside during their free time. Forssmed added that children are often frustrated when their parents are constantly distracted by their phones.
While digital technologies have their benefits—such as enabling video calls that were previously impossible—the WHO and Swedish officials agree that face-to-face interaction is essential for mental and emotional well-being.
The Importance of Community
The WHO report emphasises that loneliness is not just a personal problem. It affects families, communities, and society as a whole. When people are lonely, they are more likely to become ill, struggle at work or school, and feel unhappy. This can lead to higher healthcare costs, lower productivity, and a less connected society.
Governments, schools, and communities need to work together to create opportunities for people to connect. This can include:
- Community events and clubs
- Support groups for people who feel alone
- Programmes to help older people stay connected
- Policies that encourage face-to-face interaction
What Can We Do?
Everyone can play a role in reducing loneliness. Here are some simple steps we can take:
- Reach out to friends and family regularly
- Join local clubs or groups
- Volunteer in the community
- Limit screen time and spend more time with people in person
- Be kind and friendly to others, especially those who may be feeling lonely
Conclusion
Loneliness is a serious global health issue that affects millions of people every year. The WHO’s report shows that 871,000 people die from loneliness each year, and many more suffer from its effects. Loneliness increases the risk of serious health problems and has a big impact on society. Countries like Sweden are leading the way by creating national strategies to fight loneliness and encourage social connections. Everyone can help by reaching out to others and creating spaces where people can connect face-to-face. By working together, we can reduce loneliness and build a healthier, happier world.
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