WHO: "870,000 Die Each Year Due to Loneliness... Social Disconnection Highest Among Adolescents"

Korea Social Security Information Service Presents WHO Study Findings
One-Sixth of the World Feels Lonely... A Threat to Health
Loneliness More Prevalent in South Korea, Especially Among the Elderly

A study has found that one-sixth of the world’s population feels lonely, and 870,000 deaths each year are caused by loneliness. According to the Korea Social Security Information Service (KOSIS) on January 22, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a report titled “From Loneliness to Social Connection” in June of last year, highlighting the severity of loneliness and social isolation and urging governments worldwide to take active measures.

Based on research conducted in 153 countries, the WHO’s analysis revealed that 15.8% of the global population experiences loneliness. In this context, loneliness is defined as “a negative emotion that arises from the gap between the relationships one desires and those one actually has.” The prevalence of loneliness was highest among adolescents aged 13 to 17 at 20.9%, followed by those aged 18 to 29 (17.4%), 30 to 59 (15.1%), and those aged 60 and above (11.8%).

The proportion of people in a state of “social isolation”-where relationships and interactions with others are objectively lacking-was 27% among adolescents (ages 11 to 19) and 25% to 33.6% among the elderly. People with disabilities, sexual minorities, and refugees were found to have even higher rates of social disconnection (social isolation and loneliness).

The WHO cited health concerns as a key reason for warning against social disconnection. Social disconnection affects physical, mental, and cognitive health, and it is estimated that more than 870,000 deaths worldwide each year are related to loneliness. The report explained that when individuals face limitations in forming relationships due to illness or disability, they may experience social isolation and loneliness, which in turn can have an even more detrimental impact on their health.

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In South Korea, a 2024 survey on social integration by the Korea Institute of Public Administration found that about one-fifth of the population feels lonely. Among Koreans, loneliness increased with age, and the proportion of those who responded that they had “no one to help in times of crisis” and “no economic or emotional support system” was highest among people in their 60s and older. However, according to the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs in 2023, about 500,000 young people aged 19 to 34-approximately 5% of that age group-were found to be in a state of social isolation.

While South Korea has previously focused on reducing solitary deaths, the policy direction is gradually shifting toward preventing social isolation. Starting this year, the government will expand the scope of its solitary death prevention and management program to include those at risk of social isolation. The government plans to survey the size, characteristics, needs, and required services of this at-risk group and provide specialized services tailored to each stage of life.

The Korea Social Security Information Service stated, “Although awareness and consensus on social disconnection are increasing in Korea, it is difficult to come up with measures that can deliver immediate results,” adding, “A long-term approach is a more realistic alternative.”