The social cure: How relationships can improve social health

As humans, we're wired for connection.

Nurturing those relationships isn't just good for the soul, but also good for our health.

Research shows that strong social connections can have a profound impact on our well-being, reducing stress, anxiety, and even the risk of premature death.

According to a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) Commission on Social Connection, 1 in 6 people worldwide are affected by loneliness, with significant impacts on health and well-being.

 Loneliness is linked to an estimated 100 deaths every hour, with more than 871,000 deaths annually. Strong social connections can lead to better health and longer life, the report says.

The Co-chair of the WHO Commission on Social Connection, Vivek Murthy, noted that the report will pull back the curtain on loneliness and isolation as a defining challenge of our time.

“Our Commission lays out a road map for how we can build more connected lives and underscores the profound impact this can have on health, educational, and economic outcomes,” said Murthy.

WHO has defined social connection as the ways people relate to and interact with others.

 Loneliness is described as the painful feeling that arises from a gap between desired and actual social connections, while social isolation refers to the objective lack of sufficient social connections.

“In this age when the possibilities to connect are endless, more and more people are finding themselves isolated and lonely," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

"Apart from the toll it takes on individuals, families, and communities, left unaddressed, loneliness and social isolation will continue to cost society billions in terms of health care, education, and employment”.

The Director General welcomed the Commission's report, stating that it shines a light on the scale and impact of loneliness and isolation, and outlines key areas in which it can help people to reconnect in ways that matter most.

Scale and causes 

Loneliness affects people of all ages, especially youth and people living in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).

Between 17–21% of individuals aged 13–29 years are reported to feel lonely, with the highest rates among teenagers.

About 24% of people in low-income countries are reported feeling lonely, twice the rate in high-income countries (about 11%).

“Even in a digitally connected world, many young people feel alone,” said Co-chair of the WHO Commission on Social Connection and Advisor to the African Union Chairperson Chido Mpemba.

“As technology reshapes our lives, we must ensure it strengthens, not weakens, human connection.”

He noted that the report demonstrates the need for social connection to be integrated into all policies, from digital access to health, education, and employment.  

While data on social isolation is more limited, it is estimated to affect up to 1 in 3 older adults and 1 in 4 adolescents.

Some groups, such as people with disabilities, refugees or migrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and indigenous groups and ethnic minorities, may face discrimination or additional barriers that make social connections harder.

Loneliness and social isolation have multiple causes. They include poor health, low income and education, living alone, inadequate community infrastructure and public policies, and limited access to digital technologies.

The report underscores the need for vigilance around the effects of excessive screen time or negative online interactions on the mental health and well-being of young people. 

Impacts on health, quality of life, and economies

Social connection can protect health across the lifespan. It can reduce inflammation, lower the risk of serious health problems, foster mental health, and prevent early death.

It can also strengthen the social fabric, contributing to healthier, safer, and more prosperous communities.

In contrast, loneliness and social isolation increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline, and premature death.

 It also affects mental health, with people who are lonely twice as likely to get depressed. Loneliness can also lead to anxiety and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

The impacts extend to learning and employment. Teenagers who felt lonely were 22% more likely to get lower grades or qualifications.

Lonely adults may find it harder to find or maintain employment and may earn less over time.

At a community level, loneliness undermines social cohesion and costs billions in lost productivity and health care.

 Communities with strong social bonds tend to be safer, healthier, and more resilient, including in response to disasters.

A path to healthier societies

The report of the WHO Commission on Social Connection outlines a roadmap for global action focusing on five key areas: policy, research, interventions, improved measurement (including developing a global Social Connection Index), and public engagement, to shift social norms and bolster a global movement for social connection.

Solutions to reduce loneliness and social isolation exist at multiple levels – national, community, and individual – and range from raising awareness and changing national policies to strengthening social infrastructure (e.g., parks, libraries, cafés) and providing psychological interventions.

Most people know what it feels like to be lonely. And each person can make a difference through simple, everyday steps—like reaching out to a friend in need, putting away one’s phone to be fully present in conversation, greeting a neighbor, joining a local group, or volunteering. If the problem is more serious, finding out about available support and services for people who feel lonely is important.

The costs of social isolation and loneliness are high, but the benefits of social connection are far-reaching.

With the release of the Commission report, WHO has called on all Member States, communities, and individuals to make social connection a public health priority.