According to a new report by the World Health Organization (WHO), loneliness has become a global problem of great magnitude, affecting approximately 16.7% of the world’s population. The entity estimates that loneliness is linked to an alarming number of deaths: approximately 100 every hour. The report, published this week, highlights the need to address this problem, since a low level of social connection negatively impacts various aspects of people’s lives.
Vivek Murthy, co -chair of the WHO commission, argues that an increase in social connection could “have a deep impact on the results of health, educational and economic” of the people. The research also indicates a correlation between loneliness and academic performance in adolescents, where 22% more young people have lower ratings. In addition, the report suggests that adults who experience loneliness can face greater difficulties in finding and maintaining a job, and may experience a decrease in their income over time.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, CEO of WHO, said that “at this time of infinite connection possibilities, more and more people feel isolated and alone.” It considers that the lack of attention to this problem will have a considerable cost for society in terms of expenses in medical care, education and employment. WHO difference between loneliness, which is a subjective feeling of disconnection, and social isolation, which refers to the objective lack of social relations. The report emphasizes that loneliness disproportionately affects young people and people in low and medium income.
WHO advocates a series of strategies to address loneliness, including awareness, modification of national policies and the strengthening of psychological interventions, in addition to the development of social spaces such as parks and libraries.
