Loneliness is not just a feeling. It is now officially recognised as a growing health threat. In 2024-2025, global health bodies, including the WHO began to compare loneliness to smoking, obesity and physical inactivity.
Why loneliness is more than an emotion:
Loneliness is the gap between the social connection you want versus the one you actually have. Many people feel disconnected inspite of being surrounded by friends and family.
Research shows that loneliness can:
- increase risk of premature death by upto 30%
- raise chance of heart disease, stroke and hypertension
- worsen anxiety, depression and sleep disorders
- impair our immunity
- reduce our overall productivity.
Why it’s on the rise:
- Remote work and shrinking social circles
- urban living and limited community interaction
- Increased digital dependance
- Migration and isolation from our families
The 2 most affected groups worldwide are young adults ages 16-35 and the older adults of ages 65+
How we can reduce loneliness:
- Reaching out to a friend or loved one
- Join hobby classes, fitness groups and volunteer organisation
- Spend more time in community spaces
- limiting digital scrolling
Let’s all start talking about loneliness openly, reduce the stigma and make connection an integral part of healthcare.
Sources: Loneliness has same risk as smoking for heart disease - Harvard Health
What is one small step we can all take today to help someone we think is going through loneliness?
MBH/AB