Date 13 April 2025: Loneliness is no longer merely an emotion; it poses a major health risk.
According to a recent World Health Organisation (WHO) report, social isolation and loneliness are as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes per day.
According to NDTV, loneliness is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, depression, and early death.
Dr. Vivek Murthy, the United States Surgeon General, emphasised that loneliness should be recognised as a public health concern. He described it as “as dangerous as some of the most well-known health risks,” claiming that it has a substantial impact on both physical and mental health.
Dr. Vivek Murthy, the United States Surgeon General, emphasised that loneliness should be recognised as a public health concern. He described it as “as dangerous as some of the most well-known health risks,” claiming that it has a substantial impact on both physical and mental health.
According to the WHO report, persons who lack strong social relationships are more likely to develop chronic illnesses and even die young. Indeed, studies suggest that long-term loneliness increases the chance of early death by 26%.
Experts are now encouraging communities and governments to take bold action.
Promoting social inclusion, mental health knowledge, and human connection are critical approaches to combating this silent epidemic.
As digital life expands and real-world connections contract, the time to act is now. Loneliness is no longer just an emotion; it’s a global health issue.
