The global state of loneliness

Loneliness is affecting people across the world, with a World Health Organization report revealing that 1 in 6 individuals globally experienced loneliness between 2014 and 2023.

Adolescents aged 13–17 reported the highest rates at 20.9%, followed by young adults (18–29) at 17.4%. Adults aged 30–59 had a 15.1% rate, while older adults (60+) reported the lowest at 11.8%.

Notably, adolescent girls (24.3%) were lonelier than boys (17.2%), and among older adults, women (13%) reported higher loneliness levels than men (9.9%).

Despite these statistics, 72% of people globally still feel fairly or very connected.

However, loneliness remains a serious public health concern, linked to over 871,000 deaths annually—an average of 100 deaths every hour.

The WHO underscores the urgent need for increased social connection and support systems to counter this growing epidemic.