One in every eight people globally suffers from loneliness

Approximately 100 people die every hour from causes related to loneliness—more than 871,000 deaths annually, according to the United Nations, citing data from the World Health Organization (WHO).

“Despite today’s limitless means of communication, more and more people are facing social isolation and loneliness. Loneliness is devastating for individuals, families, and societies. If we do not act, it will continue to cost society billions through rising healthcare, education, and employment costs,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Loneliness affects individuals of all ages, but it is especially prevalent among young people and those living in low- and middle-income countries.

Between 17 and 21 percent of people aged 13 to 29 report feeling lonely, with the rate particularly high among adolescents. In low-income countries, 24 percent of respondents report loneliness, more than double the rate in high-income countries, which stands at around 11 percent.

The causes of loneliness and social isolation vary widely and include health issues, low income and education levels, living alone, inadequate social infrastructure, ineffective government policies, and negative experiences in digital environments. The report also points to the mental health risks young people face due to prolonged digital device use and harmful online interactions.

Strong social connections are known to improve health across the lifespan—they reduce inflammation, lower the risk of severe illnesses, support mental well-being, and decrease the likelihood of early death.

Conversely, loneliness and isolation significantly increase the risks of stroke, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cognitive decline, and premature death. Lonely individuals are twice as likely to suffer from depression, and this condition is often linked to anxiety, self-harm, and suicide.

The impact of loneliness extends beyond health. It negatively affects education and employment: Adolescents experiencing loneliness are 22 percent more likely to underperform in school. Adults face challenges in securing and maintaining employment, with their incomes declining over time.

At the societal level, loneliness erodes social cohesion and results in billions of economic losses due to reduced productivity and rising healthcare costs. Societies with strong social networks generally fare better in areas such as public safety, health outcomes, and resilience to natural disasters.

The WHO has urged all governments, communities, and citizens to prioritize strengthening social connections as a critical public health issue.

In response, some governments have already taken steps. For instance, the South Korean capital, Seoul, recently announced it would allocate 451.3 billion won (nearly $327 million) to combat loneliness.