Loneliness and Social Isolation: The 'Invisible Killer' Claiming 100 Lives Per Hour
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on the 30th (local time) that loneliness and social isolation are serious health risks that claim about 100 lives worldwide every hour.
According to the latest report released by WHO, approximately one-sixth of the global population experiences loneliness, with one-third of the elderly and one-fourth of adolescents reported to be socially isolated.
Vivek Murthy, co-chair of WHO's Social Connection Commission, defined loneliness as "the painful subjective feeling we experience when our desired relationships do not match our actual relationships," while social isolation is "an objective state with little or no relationships or interactions."
These issues of loneliness and social isolation extend beyond mere emotional problems, severely impacting physical and mental health, leading to increased risks of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, depression, anxiety, and suicide.
The Paradox of the Digital Age: Increased Connections but Deepening Isolation
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated, "In an era where the possibilities of connection are endless, more and more people feel lonely and isolated." He warned that neglecting loneliness and isolation could result in losses of billions of dollars across education, employment, and health sectors.
The report noted that loneliness negatively affects the academic achievement of adolescents, indicating that lonely teenagers are 22% more likely to have lower grades than their peers, while adults face greater difficulties in job searching and maintaining employment.
Key causes of loneliness and social isolation include illnesses, low income and education levels, lack of opportunities for social interaction, the increase of single-person households, insufficient public policies, a lack of community infrastructure, and the misuse of digital technology.
Murthy emphasized that "human beings have communicated for thousands of years not just through language, but also through expressions, gestures, tones, and silences." He pointed out that these forms of non-verbal communication can easily vanish when relying solely on mobile phones and social media.
Best Practices for Combatting Loneliness: Sweden's Social Connection Policies
WHO introduced Sweden as a model for combating loneliness. Sweden recognizes loneliness as a problem that affects society as a whole and has implemented policies to strengthen social connections in everyday spaces.
The country plans to provide all children and adolescents with prepaid cards exclusively for group leisure activities, while public schools are set to completely ban mobile phone use. This decision is based on research showing that banning mobile phones is effective in increasing face-to-face interactions and reducing cyberbullying.
Chido Mpemba, co-chair, stated, "Even in a digitally connected world, many young people feel lonely," emphasizing the need to ensure technology does not weaken human relationships as it changes our lives.
He added, "Social connection can protect health throughout life, reduce risks of serious illness, promote mental health, and prevent early death. It also makes communities healthier, safer, and more resilient."
WHO has classified loneliness as an urgent global health threat in 2023 and has launched the 'Social Connection Commission' in response. The report provides a shocking estimate that loneliness and social isolation result in over 871,000 deaths annually, highlighting the need for global attention and action on this issue.
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