Loneliness is a feeling of social isolation that can have a negative impact on our physical and mental health. The problem is becoming more prevalent, especially among young people.
Statistics
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared loneliness a “global public health issue.”
- A 2019 survey by Cigna found that 61% of Americans report feeling lonely.
- A 2018 study by the University of Chicago found that loneliness is twice as common among millennials as it is among baby boomers.
- A 2020 study by the National Institute on Aging found that loneliness is associated with a 26% increase in the risk of premature death.
Worldwide Data
Loneliness is a problem that affects people of all ages and backgrounds all over the world. Here is some worldwide data on loneliness:
- In India 75% seniors feel alone despite having families. As per study published (May 2022) in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20.5% of adults aged 45 years and over in India reported moderate loneliness and 13.3% severe loneliness.
- In Europe 18% of its citizens, the equivalent of 75 million people, are socially isolated and feels lonely.
- In the United Kingdom, 45% of people report feeling lonely sometimes or often.
- In Japan, 1 in 5 people over the age of 65 report feeling lonely all the time.
- In China, 1 in 3 young adults report feeling lonely.
- In South Korea, the suicide rate among young people has increased by 30% in recent years, and experts believe that loneliness is a major contributing factor.
- In Australia, 62% of young adults, 46% of seniors, and 55% of the population say they experience loneliness or lack of companionship at least sometimes.
Citation of WHO
The World Health Organization has declared loneliness a “global public health issue.” In a 2021 report, the WHO stated that “loneliness is a significant risk factor for a range of negative health outcomes, including premature death.”
Why is loneliness a problem?
Loneliness is a problem because it can have a negative impact on our physical and mental health. Loneliness can increase the risk of a number of health problems, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Stroke
- Dementia
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Substance abuse
- Suicide
Loneliness can also make it difficult to cope with stress and adversity.
What can be done to address loneliness?
There are many ways to tackle loneliness. Here are a few ideas:
- Build strong social connections. Spend time with loved ones, join clubs or groups, and volunteer in your community.
- Use technology to connect with others. Social media, video chat, and online forums can all be helpful ways to stay connected with friends and family.
- Take care of yourself. Ensure that you are consuming nutritious food, obtaining adequate sleep, and exercising consistently. Taking care of your physical and mental health can help you to feel better and more connected to others.
Conclusion Loneliness is a growing problem, but it is one that can be addressed. By building strong social connections, using technology to connect with others, and taking care of ourselves, we can all help to reduce loneliness and improve our overall well-being.
