Being single, loneliness may soon become an epidemic, It’s killing more people – World Health Organization cautions
‘Loneliness’ is now formally acknowledged by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a critical global public health concern.
It has issued a warning, citing the possibility that it might spread like wildfire and cause major global health problems like dementia, heart disease, stroke, and early death.
The public health agency announced the formation of an international commission on Thursday, November 16, 2023, with the aim of tackling the “global public health concern” of social isolation and loneliness.
The United States Surgeon General noted that loneliness had an effect on mortality similar to that of smoking fifteen cigarettes a day, and the World Health Organization (WHO) classified loneliness as a serious global health risk.
Among them are Ayuko Kato, the minister in charge of loneliness and isolation policies in Japan, and Ralph Regenvanu, the minister of climate change adaptation in Vanuatu.
For a period of three years, the Commission on Social Connection will work to actively develop international policies that support the integration of isolated and high-risk individuals into their communities of residence.
“Anyone, anywhere, can be lonely or socially isolated,” WHO wrote on its website.
”Across all ages and regions, loneliness and social isolation have serious impacts on our physical and mental health, and the well-being of our communities and society,”
