Loneliness: A Global Health Threat Equivalent to Smoking

November 17, 2023

Loneliness has been officially recognized as a critical global health threat by the World Health Organization (WHO), with a mortality impact equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. To address this pressing issue, WHO has launched an international commission on social connection, led by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and African Union youth envoy Chido Mpemba.

Commission’s Objectives

The newly formed commission, comprising 11 advocates and government ministers from around the world, including Ralph Regenvanu from Vanuatu and Ayuko Kato from Japan, aims to analyze the pivotal role of social connection in health, propose solutions, and promote social connection as a global health priority.

Three-Year Initiative

The commission’s three-year initiative will focus on understanding and highlighting the impact of social isolation and loneliness on health and well-being. It aims to accelerate the scaling up of effective solutions across countries of all income levels.

Health Consequences of Loneliness

Loneliness has severe health consequences, with individuals lacking strong social connections being at a higher risk of stroke, anxiety, dementia, depression, and suicide. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the need to establish social connection as a global health priority and share effective interventions.

Global Impact

Dr. Vivek Murthy emphasized that loneliness is not confined to developed countries, with one in four older people experiencing social isolation worldwide. The health risks associated with loneliness are comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, surpassing those linked to obesity and physical inactivity.

Loneliness Across Age Groups

Loneliness affects various age groups, with older adults experiencing a 50% increased risk of developing dementia and a 30% increased risk of coronary artery disease or stroke. Additionally, 5% to 15% of adolescents are reported to be lonely. However, these figures are believed to be underestimations, according to WHO.

Global Public Health Concern

Loneliness transcends borders, becoming a global public health concern that impacts health, well-being, and development across all facets of life. Young people experiencing loneliness in schools face increased dropout rates, while adults may encounter poorer economic outcomes due to disconnection and lack of support in the workplace. The commission aims to address these interconnected challenges on a global scale.

« Previous Post Next Post »