Loneliness kills 871,000 people yearly – WHO

A new global report from the World Health Organization (WHO) Commission on Social Connection has revealed the devastating toll of loneliness, estimating it contributes to 871,000 deaths annually worldwide — equivalent to about 100 deaths every hour.

Released Monday, the report found that around 1 in 6 people globally are affected by loneliness, which has serious consequences for health, well-being, education, and economic outcomes. Dr. Vivek Murthy, Co-chair of the WHO Commission and former U.S. Surgeon General, described loneliness and social isolation as “a defining challenge of our time,” calling for coordinated action to build more connected societies.

Loneliness is defined as the painful feeling that results from a gap between desired and actual social connections, while social isolation refers to an objective lack of relationships. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that despite unprecedented opportunities for connection in today’s world, loneliness continues to grow, with costly impacts on individuals and societies.

Key findings from the report show:

-Between 17% and 21% of young people aged 13–29 report feeling lonely, with teenagers showing the highest rates.

-Up to 1 in 4 adolescents and 1 in 3 older adults experience social isolation.

-In low-income countries, about 24% report loneliness — more than double the 11% seen in high-income countries.

The report also highlighted how vulnerable groups, such as people with disabilities, migrants and refugees, LGBTQ+ individuals, indigenous peoples, and ethnic minorities, often face systemic barriers that deepen loneliness and hinder social connection.

Chido Mpemba, Co-chair of the Commission and Advisor to the African Union Chairperson, stressed that social connection should be integrated into policies on digital access, health, education, and employment. “Even in a digitally connected world, many young people feel alone. Technology must strengthen, not weaken, human connection,” she said.

The WHO report identifies multiple factors contributing to loneliness, including poor health, low income and education, living alone, inadequate community infrastructure, insufficient public policies, and certain aspects of digital technologies. It also raises concerns about excessive screen time and harmful online interactions, especially among youth, which can negatively impact mental health.

Loneliness and social isolation significantly increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and early death. Conversely, strong social connections reduce inflammation, lower the risk of serious illnesses, support mental health, and promote longer life.

To address the crisis, the WHO report proposes a roadmap for global action focusing on five priorities: policy development, research, targeted interventions, better measurement, and public engagement. The goal is to reshape social norms and build a worldwide movement to foster social connection.

“Left unaddressed, loneliness and social isolation will continue to cost societies billions in health care, education, and employment,” Dr. Tedros emphasized. WHO is urging governments, communities, and individuals to prioritize social connection as a critical public health issue.