More than 871,000 deaths worldwide are linked to isolation each year, around 100 deaths per hour, according to a new report by the World Health Organization (WHO).
In 2023, the WHO created a commission responsible for highlighting the problem of loneliness and formulating proposals to remedy it. This commission was created after several studies indicated that loneliness had a major impact on health, but also following the Pandemic of COVID-19, associated with successive confinements, explains the Belgian Etienne Krug, director of the department of social determinants at WHO. “And it turns out that the problem is much larger than what we thought at the start. »»
In its first report, the Commission shows that one in six people around the world suffers from solitude, defined as a painful and subjective feeling caused by a lack of social interactions. The causes of this isolation can be diverse, such as poor health, limited mobility, a low level of education, living alone, or the inadequacy of social services and public policies.
Among young people, this proportion reaches approximately one in five people. WHO experts explain this in particular by the use of smartphones. The co -chair of the commission, Vivek Murthy, warns against “excessive use of digital media in young people”. In addition, in low or intermediate income countries, a quarter of those questioned say they suffer from loneliness. In rich countries, one in ten feels isolated.
The consequences of loneliness and social isolation are important and have an impact on physical and mental health. “They increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, for example, as well as the risk of depression and anxiety disorders,” said Motherthy. “They reduce the overall life expectancy and – which may surprise – are linked to 871,000 deaths per year. »»
In addition to its impact on the health of individuals, loneliness also leads to broader social consequences. School and professional results can in particular suffer. Social cohesion can also be put under pressure. “Social bond is one of the foundations of our society,” says Motherthy. The cost of isolation in terms of social security and loss of productivity amounts to “billion”.
It has also been shown that close social contacts favored good health, by reducing the risk of inflammation, serious illnesses and mental problems. “The cost of inaction is high and the benefits of social contacts are considerable,” adds Vivek Mildy.
According to WHO experts, the fight against loneliness must be carried out at different levels, by political measures and individual actions. The organization therefore calls for more attention to awareness, to the existence of sufficient social infrastructures, as well as to psychosocial support.
