More than 8.7 lakh people die every year due to loneliness
Indications from WHO's new report
- What is the relationship between loneliness and health
- Why does social connection become a lifesaver?
- Why does isolation deepen even in the digital age
- Social Connection Key to Longer, Healthier Life, Says Global Health Body
According to a recent WHO report, loneliness is a serious global health crisis, claiming 100 lives every hour due to related health issues like heart disease and diabetes. The report highlights the life-saving potential of improved social connections.
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| From loneliness to social connection: charting a path to healthier societies |
Geneva, July 3, 2025 – The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a stark warning in its latest global report, revealing that loneliness and social isolation are silently claiming more than 100 lives every hour, amounting to over 871,000 deaths annually. The findings emphasise that 1 in 6 people worldwide are affected by loneliness, a condition now recognised as a critical public health threat with wide-reaching consequences for health, well-being, and society at large.
Dr. Vivek Murthy, Co-chair of the WHO Commission on Social Connection and former U.S. Surgeon General, called loneliness a “defining challenge of our time.” “Our Commission lays out a road map to build more connected lives and highlights how such efforts can improve health, education, and economic outcomes,” he said.
Understanding Loneliness and Social Isolation
The WHO defines social connection as the ways people relate to and interact with others. Loneliness, on the other hand, is the emotional pain caused by a gap between desired and actual social interactions, while social isolation refers to a measurable lack of contact or social relationships.
"In an age of unprecedented digital connectivity, more and more people are feeling isolated and alone,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “This issue is not just emotional—it’s economic and systemic. Left unchecked, loneliness and social isolation will continue to drain healthcare systems, reduce workplace productivity, and hurt community resilience.”
Young and Poor More at Risk
The report shows that youth and those in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are most affected. An estimated 17–21% of people aged 13 to 29 report feeling lonely, with the highest rates among teenagers. Meanwhile, 24% of people in low-income nations experience loneliness, more than twice the rate in high-income countries.
Chido Mpemba, Co-chair of the Commission and African Union advisor, warned that even in digitally connected environments, young people are increasingly feeling isolated. “Technology must be used to strengthen—not replace—human connections,” she urged.
Other at-risk groups include the elderly, people with disabilities, migrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, indigenous peoples, and ethnic minorities.
Health and Societal Impact of Loneliness
The consequences of loneliness are dire. According to WHO:
- It raises the risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline.
- It doubles the risk of depression and is linked to anxiety, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts.
- Teenagers facing loneliness are 22% more likely to underperform in academics.
- Adults may face difficulties in finding or keeping jobs, often earning less over time.
Beyond individuals, loneliness erodes social cohesion and costs societies billions of dollars in lost productivity and healthcare. In contrast, communities with strong social bonds are healthier, safer, and more resilient, especially in times of crisis.
A Global Call to Action
In response, the WHO Commission has outlined a global roadmap based on five pillars:
Policy development, research, interventions, measurement (including a global Social Connection Index), and public engagement.
Proposed solutions include:
- Promoting awareness through public campaigns.
- Enhancing community infrastructure such as parks, libraries, and public gathering spaces.
- Offering psychological and social support to those in need.
Integrating social connection into public policies in health, education, digital access, and employment.
The report’s launch follows the adoption of the first-ever World Health Assembly resolution on social connection in May 2025, which urged all Member States to implement evidence-based strategies for promoting social relationships.
WHO also announced the launch of a new campaign titled “Knot Alone”, aiming to highlight the power of meaningful social ties for better health outcomes.
Every Individual Can Help
The report closes with a powerful message: everyone can contribute to a more connected world. Whether it’s by calling a friend, joining a local community group, or simply putting down your phone to engage fully in a conversation, small acts of connection can save lives.
