By Uzair Adam
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised alarm over the growing threat of loneliness, revealing that more than 871,000 people die globally each year due to its effects.
In a report released on Monday, the WHO Commission noted that one in six individuals worldwide is grappling with loneliness — a condition that, along with social isolation, significantly impacts both physical and mental health.
The report outlined that loneliness raises the risk of strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, depression, anxiety, and suicide. It also has academic and economic consequences, with lonely teenagers 22 percent more likely to perform poorly in school, while affected adults struggle more with employment.
Beyond personal consequences, the commission said loneliness leads to major economic costs due to increased healthcare demands and lost productivity.
Co-chair of the commission, Vivek Murthy, described loneliness as “a painful, subjective feeling that many of us experience when the relationships that we need do not match the relationships that we have.”
He distinguished it from social isolation, which he defined as an objective state of having few social connections.
According to the WHO, one in three elderly people and one in four adolescents are socially isolated.
The report cited causes including illness, low income, poor education, lack of social opportunities, living alone, and excessive use of digital technologies.
Murthy highlighted that while human communication has traditionally included facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice, these elements are often lost when interaction is limited to phones and social media.
Sweden was highlighted as a model example in tackling loneliness.
The country has launched a national strategy to promote social connections in public spaces like shops, restaurants, and clubs.
Swedish Social Minister Jakob Forssmed revealed that prepaid cards are being introduced for children and teens to encourage participation in group leisure activities.
The country also plans to ban mobile phones in public schools to foster in-person interaction.
Studies referenced in the report suggest such efforts have improved social bonds, reduced cyberbullying, and improved sleep patterns among young people.
While acknowledging the benefits of digital tools, the WHO emphasised the need for physical spaces where people can connect without technological interference.
Murthy stressed, “Having places and spaces in our life where we can interact face-to-face with other people without the distraction of technology is very important.”