Loneliness a global health threat, WHO says as it launches body to combat it. Study links being lonely to dying early, says loved ones’ visits lower risk
- Loneliness has long been linked to an increased risk of dying prematurely; new research suggests a monthly visit from loved ones could cut that risk
- Those who were never visited by friends or family had a 39 per cent higher risk of early death compared to those who were visited daily, the study found
The World Health Organization has launched an international commission on loneliness, which it says has serious consequences for the health and wellbeing of one in four older people worldwide and up to one in seven adolescents.
Coinciding with the announcement, a newly published study linking loneliness to premature death said this could be countered by monthly visits from family and friends.
The commission will be co-led by US surgeon general Dr Vivek Murthy, who in an advisory report this year on the healing effects of social connection described loneliness as an epidemic which had the same health effects as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
The commission will run for three years. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: “People without enough strong social connections are at higher risk of stroke, anxiety, dementia, depression, suicide and more.”
The new study, by researchers from the University of Glasgow in the UK, found that people who never or rarely have the company of their nearest and dearest are more likely to die prematurely.
To stop people feeling lonely and to reduce their risk of premature death, friends and family could try to visit them at least once a month, the study suggests.