New Delhi, June 30 (UNI) One in six people globally is affected by loneliness, with serious health consequences including an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline, and premature death, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Commission on Social Connection has warned in a report released today.



The report estimates that loneliness contributes to over 871,000 deaths annually — equivalent to more than 100 deaths every hour. In contrast, strong social ties have been associated with better health outcomes and increased life expectancy, underlining the critical role of social connection in human health.



Dr. Vivek Murthy, Co-chair of the WHO Commission and former Surgeon General of the United States, described loneliness and isolation as a “defining challenge of our time.” He emphasised the urgent need for structural reforms and a global response to mitigate its impact across sectors, from health to education and employment, according to a statement by the WHO.



While loneliness affects individuals across all age groups, adolescents and young adults have emerged as particularly vulnerable. The report notes that 17–21% of individuals aged 13–29 report experiencing loneliness, with the highest rates observed among teenagers, as per the report.



At the other end of the age spectrum, up to one-third of older adults are believed to suffer from social isolation. The rise of nuclear families, urban migration, and the digital divide often leave senior citizens with limited social support. In India, for instance, increasing numbers of elderly individuals live alone in urban areas, dependent on distant relatives or online caregivers, with limited face-to-face engagement.



Marginalised groups — including people with disabilities, migrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and ethnic minorities—face compounded barriers to social inclusion. These may arise from discrimination, language barriers, or lack of accessible public spaces.



“In this age when the possibilities to connect are endless, more and more people are finding themselves isolated and lonely,” observed WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, as per the statement.



The report cautioned against the uncritical embrace of digital technologies, highlighting concerns over excessive screen time and negative online interactions, particularly among youth.



Even as mobile and internet penetration grows in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), 24% of individuals in low-income countries report feeling lonely, twice the rate in high-income countries (11%). This suggests that connectivity alone does not guarantee connection, and that meaningful human relationships require more than access to devices and data.



The health risks of loneliness are significant. It increases the chances of stroke, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, cognitive decline, and early mortality. It is also closely tied to mental health challenges, with lonely individuals being twice as likely to suffer from depression. Instances of anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal ideation are also reported to be higher.



“Loneliness affects people of all ages, especially youth and people living in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Between 17–21% of individuals aged 13–29-year-olds reported feeling lonely, with the highest rates among teenagers. About 24% of people in low-income countries reported feeling lonely — twice the rate in high-income countries (about 11%).



“Even in a digitally connected world, many young people feel alone. As technology reshapes our lives, we must ensure it strengthens—not weakens—human connection. Our report shows that social connection must be integrated into all policies—from digital access to health, education, and employment,” said Chido Mpemba, Co-chair of the WHO Commission on Social Connection and Advisor to the African Union Chairperson.



While data on social isolation is more limited, it is estimated to affect up to 1 in 3 older adults and 1 in 4 adolescents. Some groups, such as people with disabilities, refugees or migrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and indigenous groups and ethnic minorities, may face discrimination or additional barriers that make social connection harder.



The report outlines five priority areas for intervention including policy development, investment in research, community-based interventions, improved global measurement, and public engagement to shift social norms. It recommends integrating social connection into broader public policy—from urban planning (parks, libraries, cafés) to education and healthcare strategies. UNI AJ SSP