WHO wants to tackle loneliness as a health risk
Published: Wednesday, Nov 15th 2023, 15:40
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Loneliness has negative consequences for health. The World Health Organization (WHO) is now investigating how social contacts can be promoted as a contribution to good health, it announced in Geneva on Wednesday. It has set up a commission for this purpose.
People without strong social contacts are exposed to a higher risk of strokes, anxiety disorders, dementia, depression and suicide, said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The risk of premature death for lonely people is as high as or higher than the risk of death from tobacco consumption, obesity or air pollution.
Social isolation is not just a phenomenon among older people in rich countries, the WHO reported. People of all ages in many countries suffer from having little contact with friends and relatives. According to studies, 5 to 15 percent of adolescents worldwide are affected, and a quarter of older people. These estimates are probably still too low.
Over the next three years, the new commission will develop plans on how to promote social contact in countries at all income levels. It will also examine the influence of good social ties on the economic and social development of societies.
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