The World Health Organization (WHO) recently highlighted the devastating impact of loneliness on health, comparing it to well-known risk factors such as smoking, alcohol abuse, inactivity physical health, obesity and air pollution. In response to this urgent threat, the WHO announced the creation of an international commission to strengthen social bonds.
According to Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, social isolation and loneliness have serious consequences for health and well-being. People who lack close social connections are more likely to suffer from stroke, anxiety, dementia, depression, suicide and other illnesses.
The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated this problem, eroding social connections and leaving many people feeling isolated and alone. This situation is particularly concerning among adolescents and the elderly, with rates of social isolation ranging from 5 to 15% and 25% respectively.
In France, in 2022, 11% of people over the age of 15 were in a situation of relational isolation, that is to say they had little or no contact outside their home.
To combat this scourge, the WHO commission will work over the next three years to develop strategies to promote social contacts. It will also examine the impact of good social ties on the economic and social development of societies. The first meeting of the commission's leadership team will take place from December 6 to 8, 2023.
 Pascal Lemontel
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29/11/2023 | 
