According to a new survey from Meta and Gallup, more than a billion people, or close to a quarter of the world’s population, are struggling with loneliness. Younger adults are more likely to suffer from the condition, which health experts warn can have the same effect on health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
The survey was conducted in 142 areas and countries worldwide, excluding China, the second-most populated country in the world. Researchers think that the rate of loneliness could likely be higher. Ellyn Maese, a senior research consultant with Gallup, noted, “In countries all over the world, millions of people experience loneliness in their daily lives. Research shows that loneliness is associated with elevated risk for a wide range of physical and mental health conditions, making research on loneliness a critical first step to improving health and wellbeing worldwide.”
The data suggests older adults, people 65 and older, reported the lowest incidence of loneliness, with just 17 percent saying they were feeling “very” or “fairly” lonely. Among young adults aged 19 to 29, however, 27 percent of respondents reported feeling very or somewhat lonely. Maese said, “Although many calls to reduce loneliness are focused on older adults, majorities of those aged 45 and older do not feel lonely at all, while less than half of those younger than 45 say the same.”
She continued, “Overall, these global data show that a quarter of people report feeling very or fairly lonely, with older adults the least likely to report feelings of loneliness. Understanding differences in how people experience or do not experience loneliness across the globe can lead to new avenues for mitigating loneliness and improving social wellbeing in communities everywhere.”
In a May advisory on the healing effects of social connection and community, titled “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation,” U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy shared how loneliness affects overall health. He said, “Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling — it harms individual and societal health. It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death.”
Murthy continued, “The mortality impact of being socially disconnected is similar to that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day and even greater than that associated with obesity and physical inactivity.” The data in the advisory showed that loneliness and social isolation increase the risk of premature death by 26 percent and 29 percent, respectively. Poor or insufficient social connection is also tied to a 29 percent increased risk of heart disease and a 32 percent increased risk of stroke. Loneliness can also increase susceptibility to viruses and respiratory illness.
Murthy encouraged investments in simple acts of kindness like answering phone calls from friends or sharing meals. He said, “Each of us can start now, in our own lives, by strengthening our connections and relationships. Our individual relationships are an untapped resource — a source of healing hiding in plain sight. They can help us live healthier, more productive, and more fulfilled lives.”
Murthy continued, “Answer that phone call from a friend. Make time to share a meal. Listen without the distraction of your phone. Perform an act of service. Express yourself authentically. The keys to human connection are simple, but extraordinarily powerful.”