1 in 6 People Worldwide Suffer from Loneliness with Serious Health Risks: New Report Warns

Strong social bonds tied to longer life, better mental health, and stronger economies, says WHO

A new global report by the World Health Organization (WHO) has found that loneliness affects one in six people globally, contributing to more than 100 deaths every hour—or over 871,000 deaths each year. The findings come from the WHO Commission on Social Connection, which is urging governments and societies to treat loneliness and social isolation as pressing public health threats.

The report highlights that strong social connections can significantly improve health outcomes and extend life expectancy, while persistent loneliness is linked to serious physical and mental health risks, including heart disease, depression, and early death.

“In this report, we pull back the curtain on loneliness and isolation as defining challenges of our time,” said Dr. Vivek Murthy, Co-chair of the Commission and former U.S. Surgeon General. “Our roadmap lays out how we can build more connected lives and underscores the profound impact this can have on health, education, and economic outcomes.”

An Invisible Crisis in a Connected Age

Social connection, as defined by WHO, refers to how people relate to and interact with one another. Loneliness is the distressing feeling caused by a gap between desired and actual social relationships, while social isolation refers to the objective lack of social contact.

Despite living in a hyper-connected digital world, more people than ever are feeling isolated.

“In an age where the possibilities to connect are endless, more and more people are finding themselves isolated and lonely,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “The toll it takes on individuals, families and communities is profound, and the cost to society—in health care, education, and employment—is staggering.”

Youth and Low-Income Populations Hit Hardest

The report shows that loneliness is not confined to older adults. It is especially prevalent among youth, with 17–21% of individuals aged 13–29 reporting feelings of loneliness—highest among teenagers. Low-income countries are also disproportionately affected, with about 24% of people reporting loneliness, more than double the rate in high-income nations.

“Even in a digitally connected world, many young people feel alone,” said Chido Mpemba, Co-chair of the Commission and Youth Advisor to the African Union. “As technology reshapes our lives, we must ensure it strengthens—not weakens—human connection.”

Certain groups—including people with disabilities, migrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and ethnic minorities—are more vulnerable to isolation due to systemic barriers and discrimination.

A Threat to Health and Economies

The consequences of loneliness and social isolation are severe. Research shows they increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cognitive decline, and mental health disorders. Lonely individuals are twice as likely to experience depression, and loneliness is a known factor in suicidal thoughts.

The effects go beyond personal health. Adolescents who report feeling lonely are 22% more likely to earn lower grades, and adults who are socially isolated often struggle to find or keep employment. On a larger scale, the economic cost of loneliness includes billions in lost productivity and higher healthcare spending.

Yet the opposite is also true: strong social bonds foster healthier, safer, and more resilient communities. Social connection reduces inflammation, strengthens immune function, and enhances recovery from illness. It also contributes to community well-being and disaster resilience.

Building a More Connected Future

To build a more connected future, the Commission’s report proposes a five-part global strategy to combat loneliness. This includes making social connection a public policy priority, investing in research to better understand who is affected and why, implementing proven interventions such as community programs and mental health services, developing measurement tools like a global Social Connection Index, and increasing public engagement to shift social norms and raise awareness about the importance of human connection.

Effective solutions range from redesigning public spaces to encourage interaction, to school- and workplace-based initiatives that foster inclusion and belonging. Psychological support and digital literacy programs also play a key role.

Individuals, too, can make a difference through everyday actions—reaching out to someone who may be struggling, putting away phones during conversations, greeting neighbors, or volunteering.

“The costs of social isolation are high,” the report concludes, “but the benefits of human connection are even higher.”