Context:

A recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO) titled From loneliness to social connection: charting a path to healthier societies highlights the scale of the problem between 2014 and 2023. The report found that one in six people globally experienced loneliness during this period.

The findings show that loneliness does not only affect emotional well-being but also has severe consequences for physical health and social stability. Particularly worrying are the high rates of loneliness among young people and those living in low-income countries.

Key Highlights

Most Affected Groups: The report identified two groups especially vulnerable to loneliness:

• Young people aged 13–29 reported the highest levels of loneliness globally, with about 17–21% saying they often felt lonely. Teenagers were the most affected within this age group.
• People in low-income countries experienced loneliness at higher rates (24%) compared to those in wealthier countries (11%).

Health Impact: Persistent loneliness was linked to an estimated 871,000 deaths annually between 2014 and 2019. Loneliness increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, depression, and anxiety. It can also result in poor outcomes at school or work and weaken the social fabric of communities.

Difference Between Isolation and Loneliness: While related, social isolation and loneliness are not the same.

• Social isolation means having few or no social contacts, such as living alone.
• A person can be socially isolated without feeling lonely, or feel lonely despite having many interactions.

Between 1990 and 2022, up to one in three people experienced social isolation, and one in four teenagers were affected between 2003 and 2018.

Vulnerable Populations: Groups more likely to experience loneliness and isolation include:

• People with disabilities
• Refugees and migrants
• LGBTIQ+ individuals
• Indigenous and ethnic minority communities

Causes:

The report identified several drivers of loneliness and isolation:

• Poor health
• Low education or income
• Personality factors
• Community and neighbourhood characteristics
• Life transitions like moving, job loss, breakups, or bereavement
• Digital technology, which can sometimes increase feelings of disconnection

Policy Measures and Solutions:

Eight countries have adopted national policies on social connection—Denmark, Finland, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These policies focus on:

• Public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma
• Funding research
• Involving people with lived experience
• Building scientific evidence through cross-sectoral cooperation

At the community level, strengthening “social infrastructure” is seen as essential. Well-designed public spaces, community gardens, sports facilities, and quiet areas like walking paths can help people connect. Psychological interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy and social skills training have also shown effectiveness.

However, the WHO notes that more research is needed, especially in lower-income settings, to understand which approaches work best.

Conclusion:

The rise of loneliness and social isolation is a significant challenge for societies worldwide. It affects mental and physical health, economic productivity, and community well-being. The WHO has called on governments to integrate social connection into health policies, disease prevention strategies, and emergency planning. Recognising social connection as a core component of health is vital to building more resilient and inclusive societies.