1 in 4 Adults Worldwide Report Feeling Isolated, Survey Finds

While the research emphasizes the well-documented risks of loneliness among the elderly, the report serves as a stark reminder that the issue affects individuals of all ages.

A recent survey, spanning 142 countries, determined that 24% of individuals aged 15 and older have self-reported feeling either "very" or "fairly" lonely.

Notably, the sense of isolation was most acute among young adults, with 27% of those aged 19 to 29 expressing loneliness, while only 17% of those aged 65 and older reported similar feelings.

Dr. Ami Rokach, a clinical psychologist and associate professor at the Center for Academic Studies in Or Yehuda, Israel, suggested the actual rates of loneliness may be even higher, particularly among young adults experiencing life transitions and uncertainties.

"There is a lot of research pointing to the dangers of loneliness and social isolation among older adults... [This survey] is a really good reminder that loneliness is not just a problem of aging — it’s a problem that can affect everyone at any age," Ellyn Maese, a senior research consultant with Gallup, told US media.

The findings underscore the gravity of loneliness, aligning with warnings from the World Health Organization and the US surgeon general, which have linked loneliness to detrimental impacts on mental and physical health, and even early mortality.

To combat loneliness, experts recommend bolstering social connections, whether through making friends, volunteering, or engaging in activities that facilitate meaningful human interactions. The research highlights the importance of addressing the issue of loneliness and fostering a sense of belonging, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The survey involved approximately 1,000 people per country, conducted between June 2022 and February 2023, through a combination of phone calls and face-to-face interviews. The countries represent about 77% of the world's adult population.

Gallup is preparing to release a comprehensive report on the global state of social connections on November 1, which will delve further into the nuances of loneliness across different countries, age groups, and genders. The recent survey underscores the urgency of studying and addressing the loneliness epidemic to ensure the well-being of individuals across the globe.