Tuesday, July 8, 2025
NewsCenta
  • Home
  • News
    • Politics
    • Local
    • Education
    • Agriculture
    • World
  • Entertainment
    • Celebrities
    • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • Business
  • Sports
  • Tech
  • Opinion
No Result
View All Result
NewsCenta
  • Home
  • News
    • Politics
    • Local
    • Education
    • Agriculture
    • World
  • Entertainment
    • Celebrities
    • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • Business
  • Sports
  • Tech
  • Opinion
No Result
View All Result
NewsCenta
No Result
View All Result

Loneliness linked to over 871,000 deaths annually

New global study reveals the deadly toll of social isolation, calling it a growing public health crisis

NewsCenta by NewsCenta
July 8, 2025
in Lifestyle, Local, News
0
Loneliness deaths annually
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

A World Health Organisation (WHO) report has linked loneliness to over 100 deaths every hour, totalling more than 871,000 global fatalities annually.

The WHO Commission on Social Connection revealed in its report that one in six people globally experience loneliness, with significant consequences for physical and mental health, well-being, and economic productivity.

You might also like

E&P Azumah

Inside E&P–Azumah feud over $100-$300m gold mine

July 8, 2025
Torkornoo's removal Mahama

Torkornoo’s removal: We’ve done our part — Mahama awaits report

July 8, 2025

WHO defines social connection as the ways people interact with others; loneliness as the painful feeling resulting from a gap between desired and actual connections; and social isolation as a lack of sufficient social ties.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation, noted that despite the limitless opportunities for connection in today’s world, increasing numbers of people feel isolated and alone.

He warned that beyond individual impacts, unaddressed loneliness and social isolation could cost societies billions through health care, education, and employment losses.

The report highlights that loneliness affects people of all ages, particularly youth and those in low- and middle-income countries.

Among individuals aged 13–29, between 17–21 per cent reported feeling lonely, with the highest rates among teenagers.

In low-income countries, about 24 per cent reported loneliness—double the 11 per cent in high-income countries.

“Even in a digitally connected world, many young people feel alone. As technology reshapes our lives, we must ensure it strengthens, not weakens human connection,” Ms. Chido Mpemba, Co-chair of the WHO Commission and Advisor to the African Union Chairperson, stated.

She stressed that policies must embed social connection across sectors such as digital access, health, education, and employment.

Although data on social isolation is more limited, it is estimated to affect one in three older adults and one in four adolescents. Vulnerable groups—such as people with disabilities, refugees, LGBTQ+ individuals, indigenous populations, and ethnic minorities—often face additional barriers to social connection.

Ms. Mpemba noted that the root causes of loneliness and isolation are varied, including poor health, low income, limited education, living alone, inadequate infrastructure, weak public policy, and digital influences.

The report cautions about the mental health risks associated with excessive screen time and negative online experiences, particularly for youth.

It further outlines the health and economic consequences: social connection reduces inflammation, supports mental health, lowers the risk of major diseases, and can prevent premature death.

It also enhances community safety and prosperity.

Loneliness deaths annually

In contrast, loneliness and isolation increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline, depression, and early mortality.

“People who were lonely [are] twice as likely to get depressed,” the report noted, also linking loneliness to anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.

At the societal level, the report said loneliness weakened social cohesion and incurred high costs in lost productivity and health care.

It said communities with strong social ties tended to be more resilient and responsive to crises.

The WHO affirmed that solutions existed at national, community, and individual levels—from awareness campaigns and policy reforms to building inclusive social infrastructure such as parks, libraries, and community centres, alongside mental health support.

It called on individuals to act—check in on a friend, be fully engaged in conversations without digital distractions, connect with neighbours, participate in community groups, or offer their time through volunteering.

“If the problem is more serious, finding out about available support and services for people who feel lonely is important,” it added.

Post Views: 44
Tags: WHOWorld Health Organisation
NewsCenta

NewsCenta

Related Stories

E&P Azumah

Inside E&P–Azumah feud over $100-$300m gold mine

by NewsCenta
July 8, 2025
0

More details have emerged regarding the raging controversy between Azumah Resources Ghana Ltd and Engineers & Planners Co. Limited (E&P)...

Torkornoo's removal Mahama

Torkornoo’s removal: We’ve done our part — Mahama awaits report

by Kojo Emmanuel
July 8, 2025
0

President John Dramani Mahama has expressed his gratitude to the Council of State for fulfilling its responsibilities in what he...

Fire Service

16 dead, 110 injured in 3,595 fires in 6 months — Fire Service

by NewsCenta
July 8, 2025
0

A total of 16 people lost their lives and 110 others sustained varying degrees of injury from 3,595 fire outbreaks...

GH₵188m lost, GH₵203m saved in first-half 2025 fire outbreaks

GH₵188m lost, GH₵203m saved in first-half 2025 fire outbreaks

by NewsCenta
July 8, 2025
0

Ghana lost an estimated GH₵188.4 million to fire outbreaks in the first six months of 2025, a staggering increase from...

Recommended

Loneliness deaths annually

Loneliness linked to over 871,000 deaths annually

July 8, 2025
E&P Azumah

Inside E&P–Azumah feud over $100-$300m gold mine

July 8, 2025
Ghana’s holiday

Ghana’s new holiday policy: Impact on tourism

July 8, 2025

Popular Story

  • Causes death men

    10 of top 11 causes of death killing more men in Ghana

    693 shares
    Share 277 Tweet 173
  • Bissue floors High Court and OSP at Supreme Court

    687 shares
    Share 275 Tweet 172
  • Monday, May 26, 2025 Newspaper Headlines

    665 shares
    Share 266 Tweet 166
  • Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Newspaper Headlines

    658 shares
    Share 263 Tweet 165
  • Mahama govt to complete National Cathedral

    644 shares
    Share 258 Tweet 161
NewsCenta

Newscenta is a Ghana-based news organisation publishing in print (The Newscenta Newspaper) and on a digital media platform (newscenta.com) dedicated to delivering timely and impactful news across various sectors, including politics, business, economy, technology, and culture.

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Health
  • Education
  • Mining
  • Energy
  • Telecoms
  • Agriculture
  • Trade
  • Opinion
  • Videos

© 2025 All Rights Reserved NewsCenta.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • Politics
    • Local
    • World
  • Entertainment
    • Celebrities
    • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • Newspaper Headlines
  • Business
  • Agriculture
  • Education
  • Sports
  • Tech
  • Opinion

© 2025 All Rights Reserved NewsCenta.

Connect with us