The Surprising Truth: Loneliness Affects a Quarter of the Global Population!

The latest Meta-Gallup survey conducted across 142 countries has revealed that nearly one in four adults worldwide, aged 15 and above, have self-reported experiencing varying degrees of loneliness.

According to the survey, young adults had the highest rates of loneliness, with 27% of individuals aged 19 to 29 reporting feeling very or fairly lonely. On the other hand, the lowest rates of loneliness were found among older adults, with only 17% of those aged 65 and older reporting feelings of loneliness.

Furthermore, more than half of adults aged 45 and older stated that they did not feel lonely at all. In contrast, a significant majority of individuals under the age of 45 expressed at least some level of loneliness, ranging from a little to very or fairly lonely.

"There is ample research indicating the potential risks associated with loneliness and social isolation among older individuals," stated Ellyn Maese, a senior research consultant at Gallup, in an interview with CNN. This survey serves as a powerful reminder that loneliness is not exclusive to aging populations; it can potentially impact individuals of all ages."

Though the reported levels of loneliness did not significantly differ between men and women, Maese remarked that certain countries exhibited substantial gaps in loneliness rates, influenced by the cultural context of each country. In total, 79 out of 142 countries displayed a higher self-reported rate of loneliness among women compared to men.

A loneliness epidemic is prevailing.

From June 2022 to February 2023, a comprehensive survey was conducted, reaching out to approximately 1,000 individuals per country through a combination of telephone interviews and in-person surveys. The surveyed countries collectively account for approximately 77% of the global adult population.

According to a survey, the risks of loneliness, as highlighted in a report by the World Health Organization in December 2020 and an advisory from the US surgeon general in May, are associated with adverse effects on mental and physical health, including the potential for early mortality.

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Clinical psychologist Dr. Ami Rokach, an associate professor at the Center for Academic Studies in Or Yehuda, Israel, was initially surprised by the relatively low number of individuals who responded positively. However, Rokach, who has extensively researched the feeling of loneliness, believes that the global rates of individuals experiencing loneliness may be higher than reported, particularly among young adults. It is important to note that Rokach was not involved in the Gallup survey.

Rokach, who also teaches in the psychology department at York University in Toronto, explains that younger individuals who are in the transitional phase of becoming adults often experience heightened uncertainty in various aspects of their lives. This uncertainty includes a tumultuous love life, uncertainty about their professional path, and the process of separating from their parents. As a result, young adults are more likely to experience feelings of loneliness compared to older adults who have already gained wisdom, established friendships, built supportive families, and belong to caring communities. Rokach shared this insight via email.

Ways to Overcome Loneliness

Although 49% of all surveyed adults stated that they did not experience any feelings of loneliness, more than half admitted to feeling at least a slight sense of loneliness. Maese pointed out that these findings present a chance to explore the enduring need for social connections in the aftermath of the pandemic.

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"Being alone does not always equate to loneliness, and it is important for individuals to recognize this," stated Rokach, who is presently conducting research on effective strategies for managing feelings of loneliness.

Although solitude can be rejuvenating and invigorating, Rokach explained that the presence of companionship can serve as a safeguard against loneliness and alleviate the sense of isolation. "Establishing friendships, engaging in volunteer work, participating in activities that facilitate social interaction, and developing the ability to find solace in our own company and derive pleasure from it can greatly enhance our well-being," he emphasized.

According to Dr. Olivia Remes, a mental health researcher at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, having strong supportive networks is crucial for our well-being when facing life's challenges. Social media, although commonly used by young adults to connect with others, can be more detrimental than beneficial if users engage in passive scrolling. Instead, Remes recommends actively participating by sharing updates, interacting with friends' posts, or privately messaging a friend.

Offices, while they may contain stressors, give people a chance to build relationships,Ungar said.

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Remeswho, the author of the book "The Instant Mood Fix," suggests that in order to combat loneliness, it is beneficial to engage in conversations with as many people as possible within your daily routine. According to her, taking the initiative to interact with those you encounter throughout the day can have positive effects on your well-being, uplift your mood, and even prevent feelings of loneliness. On November 1, Gallup will publish a report that examines the global state of social connections. This research will not only include these findings, but also delve into detailed country-level results, aiming to discover similarities and differences in the experience of loneliness worldwide.

Maese expects that the survey will encourage additional studies on the variations of loneliness across countries, age groups, and genders. She believes that this will lead to more in-depth investigations into the factors contributing to loneliness and social connections.

According to her, each individual has the chance to reduce their own daily loneliness, as well as that of others, by fostering social connections.