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From loneliness to social connection: charting a path to healthier societies

Reports

5 September 2025

Overview

This landmark report from the WHO Commission on Social Connection highlights that social isolation and loneliness are widespread, with serious but under-recognized impacts on health, well-being, and society. Drawing on the latest evidence, the report makes a compelling case for urgent action. It outlines practical, scalable solutions to strengthen social connection – and calls on policy-makers, researchers and all sectors to treat social health with the same urgency as physical and mental health. The Commissioners envision a future where stronger social bonds improve well-being, reduce preventable deaths, boost education and economic resilience, and ease the social and financial burden of disconnection. This report is a call to act – and an invitation to build a more connected, healthier world.

Decade Action Areas

Age-friendly Environments

Combatting Ageism

Integrated Care

Long-term Care

Source Organization

WHO Commission on Social Connection

Country / Region Focus

Global

Sector

Other

UN Agency

Knowledge Characteristics

  • > Other

Other Information

social isolation, loneliness, solitude, social health, social well-being

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