The World Health Organisation has raised alarm over the rising number of deaths caused by loneliness, revealing that more than 871,000 people around the world die each year due to loneliness-related issues.
In a new report released on Monday, the WHO said one out of every six people globally is affected by loneliness. The report warned that loneliness and social isolation can increase the risk of serious health problems such as stroke, heart attack, diabetes, depression, anxiety, and even suicide.
The WHO also said that lonely teenagers are 22 percent more likely to perform poorly in school, while lonely adults face more problems getting or keeping jobs.
Vivek Murthy, co-chair of the WHO Commission, described loneliness as a deep and painful feeling that comes when people don’t have the kind of relationships they need. He explained that social isolation is different because it means having very few real interactions with others.
According to the report, one in every three older people and one in every four teenagers is believed to be socially isolated. The causes include sickness, poor education, low income, lack of social spaces, living alone, and too much use of mobile phones and social media.
Murthy pointed out that people have always communicated through not just words but also facial expressions, body movements, tone, and silence. These forms of connection are easily lost when people rely only on screens.
Sweden was praised in the report for taking real action against loneliness. According to the Swedish Social Minister Jakob Forssmed, the country has put in place a national plan to fight loneliness. Swedish children and teens will soon get prepaid cards to book group activities, and the government plans to ban phones in public schools to increase real social contact and reduce online bullying.
Forssmed said many children complain that their parents spend too much time on their phones. He added that without phones, kids sleep better and are more willing to stay off screens during their free time.
The WHO report said while technology like video calls can be helpful, it is still important to have physical spaces where people can meet and connect without digital distractions.
Murthy added, “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.”
