New Delhi: Loneliness has been declared as a serious global health issue, with a mortality impact equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes daily, as stated by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The World Health Organisation, in addressing this concern, has launched an international commission led by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and African Union youth envoy Chido Mpemba. This commission is comprised of 11 advocates and government ministers, with notable figures like Ralph Regenvanu, Minister for Climate Change Adaptation in Vanuatu, and Ayuko Kato, Minister overseeing measures to combat loneliness and isolation in Japan.
The recently established commission on social co”nection”strives to confront loneliness as a significant health risk, prioritize the promotion of social connections, and expedite the implementation of solutions across nations with varying income levels.
“Running for three years, it will analyse the central role social connection plays in improving health for people of all ages and outline solutions to build social connections at scale,” noted a release issued by the WHO.
“High rates of social isolation and loneliness around the world have serious consequences for health and well-being. People without enough strong social connections are at higher risk of stroke, anxiety, dementia, depression, suicide and more,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “This WHO Commission will help establish social connection as a global health priority and share the most promising interventions.”
Dr. Murthy added that loneliness, often perceived as a challenge primarily in developed nations, affects one in four older individuals with social isolation rates being similar worldwide.
The health risks linked to loneliness are severe, equating to the impact of smoking up to 15 cigarettes daily, surpassing those connected with obesity and physical inactivity, as highlighted by Dr. Murthy. “Loneliness is an underappreciated public health threat,” he warned.
According to the WHO, among older adults, loneliness correlates with a 50% heightened risk of developing dementia and a 30% increased risk of coronary artery disease or stroke. Research indicates that between 5% and 15% of adolescents experience loneliness, although the WHO suggests these figures are likely underestimations.
“Loneliness transcends borders and is becoming a global public health concern affecting every facet of health, wellbeing and development,” said Mr. Mpemba. “Social isolation knows no age or boundaries.”
He added that students feeling lonely in school are at a higher risk of leaving university prematurely. This sense of disconnection and lack of support in the workplace can result in lower job satisfaction and performance, leading to less favorable economic outcomes.