Exeter input on global report on how loneliness affects one in six people
One in six people worldwide is affected by loneliness, with significant impacts on health and wellbeing, according to a report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) report with input from the University of Exeter.
A press release issues by the WHO announced that loneliness is linked to an estimated 100 deaths every hour—more than 871 000 deaths annually. Strong social connections can lead to better health and longer life.
In their report, WHO defines social connection as the ways people relate to and interact with others. They describe loneliness as the painful feeling that arises from a gap between desired and actual social connections, while social isolation refers to the objective lack of sufficient social connections.
Professor Manuela Barreto, at the University of Exeter, contributed to the report as one of 20 Members of the WHO Technical Advisory Group on Social Connection, she said: “The latest data shows that well over three million people in England feel lonely often or always, with numbers rising and the greatest impact in marginalised communities. I’m proud to have contributed to this flagship WHO report, which aims to explain what we know about loneliness and social connection, identify solutions that work, and offer recommendations to assist governments to promote social connection around the world.”
The report highlighted that 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 per cent of people in low-income countries reported feeling lonely — twice the rate in high-income countries (about 11%).
While data on social isolation is more limited, it is estimated to affect up to one in three older adults and one in four 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.
Loneliness and social isolation have multiple causes. They include, for instance, poor health, low income and education, living alone, inadequate community infrastructure and public policies, and digital technologies. The report underscores the need for vigilance around the effects of excessive screen time or negative online interactions on the mental health and well-being of young people.
Access the full report here: https://www.who.int/groups/commission-on-social-connection
