Loneliness Recognized as a Serious Threat to Health. WHO Cites Convincing Data

Loneliness Threatens Public Health

According to glavcom.ua: Experts from the World Health Organization warn: loneliness has become a major threat to public health. According to their data, approximately 100 people die every minute worldwide due to loneliness, amounting to over 871 thousand deaths a year. This information is provided by ‘Glaicom’ citing a report.

Loneliness can affect people of all ages, but adolescents, young adults, and residents of low-income countries are the most vulnerable. Between 17% and 21% of young people aged 13 to 29 face loneliness. This issue is particularly relevant among teenagers. In low-income countries, loneliness reaches 24% – nearly double compared to high-income countries, where about 11% of respondents report feeling lonely.

‘In our time, when there are more opportunities for communication, many people feel isolation and loneliness. These states are harmful to individuals, families, and society, and if no action is taken, they will continue to cause harm, increasing costs for healthcare, education, and employment,’ emphasized WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

It is noted that strong social connections positively impact health at all life stages. They help reduce inflammatory processes in the body, lower the risk of serious illnesses, support mental well-being, and reduce the likelihood of premature death.

Negative Impact of Loneliness on Health

Meanwhile, loneliness and isolation are associated with an increased risk of stroke, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cognitive function disorders, and premature death. These conditions worsen emotional state and double the likelihood of developing depression. Furthermore, they can contribute to anxiety disorders and even suicidal thoughts.

It should be noted that many people are unable to fulfill their desire to have a family. Unwanted pregnancies and inability to have children are common worldwide, and many individuals are deprived of the opportunity to choose when and how to plan a family. This information is contained in the annual report of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The emergence of the report indicating that loneliness can lead to serious public health problems underscores the importance of strong social ties and community support for the mental and physical well-being of individuals. The consequences of loneliness can be extremely severe, affecting our overall health and causing a range of diseases and health issues.