Loneliness Is Killing 100 People Every Hour Worldwide
Loneliness has become a severe global health crisis, claiming the lives of 100 people every hour across the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a report titled “From Loneliness to Social Connection,” revealing the alarming scale of this issue.
According to the report, one in four people globally is now affected by loneliness, which significantly impacts their mental and physical health. Experts warn that loneliness increases the risk of depression, obesity, heart disease, stroke, and premature death.
On average, 871,000 deaths each year are attributed to loneliness.
Most Affected Regions:
South Asia, including India, has the highest prevalence, with 22% of people affected by severe loneliness. In comparison, the global average is 24.3%.
Major Causes:
- Chronic illness and mental health problems
- Lack of close relationships, job loss, or moving to a new place
- Retirement or loss of a spouse in old age
- Discrimination due to caste, gender, disability, or migration
- Excessive screen time and social media use
WHO Recommendations:
- Talk to at least one person daily
- Spend time with neighbors, friends, or relatives
- Reduce reliance on social media and build in-person connections
Decline in Trust Among Indians:
The report also notes that trust among Indians toward one another has significantly declined. In 1993, 35.5% of people believed that most people could be trusted. By 2014, this figure dropped to just 16.7%. Experts say this erosion of trust is a major contributor to loneliness.
