WHO warns loneliness is a pressing global health threat

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has proclaimed that loneliness is a pressing global health threat. The WHO has launched a three-year commission that will attempt to shape global policy by analysing high-risk areas of social isolation and encouraging government to foster new mental health solutions.

Research shows that social isolation and loneliness can have serious impacts on older people’s physical and mental health, quality of life and longevity. Lonely and socially isolated elderly people are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, cognitive decline, dementia, depression, anxiety and suicide. Loneliness can have comparable effects on mortality as other risk factors such as smoking, obesity and physical inactivity, with a 2015 meta-analysis found that people with chronic loneliness had a 26% increased risk of mortality. While more often experienced by people of an older age, young people are at risk too, with an estimated 5% to 15% of adolescents experiencing loneliness.

The issues presented by loneliness and social isolation are getting more recognition by those in leadership, with the United Kingdom appointing a ‘loneliness minister’ in 2018 and Japan following suit in 2021.

The WHO suggest a range of individual, community-level and societal-level strategies and interventions that can help reduce social isolation and loneliness. Suggestions range from social skills training and social activity groups at the individual level to improving infrastructure such as transport to creating laws and policies that address social cohesion and socio-economic inequality.

If you’re experiencing loneliness there are a range of organisations that can offer you help.