Global loneliness crisis: 100 deaths every hour, says WHO
New Delhi: In a concerning development, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that loneliness contributes to nearly 100 deaths every hour—amounting to more than 871,000 deaths annually.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) Commission on Social Connection in its global report, as cited by The New Indian Express on Tuesday, underscores loneliness as a critical global public health concern. It noted that strong social connections can lead to better health and longer life.
According to the report, one in six people globally is affected by loneliness. The finding reveals that loneliness cuts across age groups but is especially prevalent among young people and those in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In low-income countries, 24% people experience loneliness—more than double the rate in high-income nations (about 11%).
“In this age when the possibilities to connect are endless, more and more people are finding themselves lonely,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “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,” he added.
Older adults are also at risk, with social isolation estimated to affect up to one in three seniors globally. Vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities, refugees, migrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, indigenous populations, and ethnic minorities may face discrimination or additional barriers that make social connection harder, as per the report.
Dr Vivek Murthy, Co-chair of the WHO Commission on Social Connection and former U.S. Surgeon General, highlighted that the report exposes loneliness and isolation as one of the most significant challenges 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,” he said.
The report identified multiple causes of loneliness and social isolation, including poor health, low income, limited education, living alone, and inadequate community infrastructure.
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RCB beat MI by 18 runs after batters fire
Mumbai (PTI): Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt and Virat Kohli blasted half-centuries as the defending champions beat Mumbai Indians by 18 runs in an Indian Premier League match here on Sunday.
Salt (78 off 36 balls) and Kohli (50 off 38 balls) stitched together a 120-run stand for the opening wicket before Patidar scored a rapid 53 off just 20 balls as RCB posted 240 for 4.
In response, Mumbai Indians were restricted to 222 for 5, with RCB spinner Suyash Sharma (2/47) putting the skids on the home side with a double strike in the eighth over, from which they could not recover.
Sherfane Rutherford top-scored for MI with an unbeaten 71 off 31 balls.
While opener Rohit Sharma appeared to be struggling with a hamstring issue and had to retire hurt on 19, his partner Ryan Rickelton made 37, while Suryakumar Yadav (33) and Hardik Pandya (40) were the other contributors for MI.
Brief scores:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 240 for 4 in 20 overs (Phil Salt 78, Virat Kohli 50, Rajat Patidar 53, Tim David 35 not out).
Mumbai Indians: 222 for 5 in 20 overs (Sherfane Rutherford 71 not out, Ryan Rickelton 37, Hardik Pandya 40; Suyash Sharma 2/47).
