One in six people in the world is affected by loneliness, a problem that impacts mental health and contributes to some 871 thousand deaths per yearwarns the World Health Organization Commission (WHO) on social connection created to try to combat this growing contemporary phenomenon.
The study reveals that 1 in 6 people worldwide are affected by loneliness, which entails important repercussions on their health and well -being. Besides, It is estimated that loneliness It is linked to 100 deaths every hour, that is, 871 thousand deaths per year. However, the report presented by WHO indicates that “strong social connections” can lead to better health and a longer life.
Our commission draws a road map to promote a greater connection between people and highlights the deep impact that this can have on health, educational and economic results, ”says Vivek Murthy, co -president of the WHO commission on social connection.
The report points as the main factors of solitude a poor health, low income and levels of education, insufficient community infrastructure or also digital technologies.
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Soledad more in older people and adolescents
The report reveals that loneliness affects people of all ages, especially young people and who live in low and medium entering countries. Between 17 percent and 21 percent of people between 13 and 29 years old have declared feeling alone, with the highest rates among adolescents. Meanwhile, about 24 percent of the people from entering countries under declared themselves alone, twice as much as in high -income countries (which is around 11 percent).
WHO defines social connection as the way people relate and interact with each other. Loneliness is described as the painful feeling that arises from the gap between the desired and real social connections, while Social isolation It refers to the objective lack of sufficient social connections.
Even in a digitally connected world, many young people feel alone. As technology remodels our lives, we must ensure that it strengthens – not weaken – the human connection. Our report shows that the social connection must be integrated into all policies – from digital access to health, education and employment, ”says Chido Mpemba, co -president of the WHO commission on social connection.
While data on social isolation are scarce, it is estimated that it affects up to 1 in 3 older adults and 1 in 4 adolescents, the WHO undermines in a press release.
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Recommendations in the risk of isolation
Loneliness and isolation, according to the study, increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline and premature death, in addition to affecting mental health, doubling the chances of suffering depression.
To promote this social cohesion, the document presents different recommendations, which include awareness campaigns, strengthening infrastructure for social contact (parks, libraries, coffees) or greater access to psychological care.
Many know what it is to feel alone, and everyone can contribute to alleviate with simple and everyday gestures, from helping a friend in trouble being real in a conversation and leaving aside the mobile, greeting a neighbor, joining a local group or doing volunteering work, ”proposes the UN Health Agency.
In 2023, when WHO created the commission, he warned that loneliness was already a mortality factor as high as tobacco and alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, obesity or air pollution.
(With EFE information)
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