2023-11-15 15:26:39
People without strong social contacts are at higher risk of strokes, anxiety disorders, dementia, depression and suicide.
Loneliness has negative consequences for health. The World Health Organization (WHO) is now investigating how social contacts can be promoted as a contribution to good health, it announced on Wednesday in Geneva. She set up a commission for this purpose. People without strong social contacts are at higher risk of strokes, anxiety disorders, dementia, depression and suicide, said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The risk of premature death for lonely people is as high as or higher than the risk of death from tobacco use, obesity or air pollution. Social isolation is not just a phenomenon among older people in rich countries, the WHO reported. People of all ages in many countries suffered from having little contact with friends and relatives. According to studies worldwide, five to 15 percent of adolescents are affected, and a quarter of older people are affected. These estimates are probably still too low.
Over the next three years, the new commission will develop plans on how to promote social contacts in countries of all income levels. It will also examine the influence of good social ties on the economic and social development of societies.
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