The entity underlines that social connections directly influence well -being and can determine the results of health in different contexts.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has published a report that warns of the impact of solitude on global health. The document estimates that the problem is related to almost 1 million deaths every year, which is equivalent to about 100 deaths per hour.
The entity underlines that social connections directly influence well -being and can determine the results of health in different contexts. The aim of the relationship is to attract attention to the severity of the situation and encourage governments to create specific public policies.
Difference between loneliness and social isolation
The report underlines that solitude and social isolation are not synonymous. Loneliness is a feeling, characterized by the suffering caused by the absence of emotional ties. Social isolation refers to the lack of daily interactions. Both scenarios affect health, but in different ways.
Currently, which estimates that one in six in the world suffers from solitude. The phenomenon occurs for several reasons: to live alone, face health problems, face the lack of structure or even the lack of access to the technologies that favor communication.
Young people are also affected
Although often associated with aging, loneliness is not exclusive to the elderly. Report data show that 21% of teenagers between 13 and 17 years old and 17.4% of the 18-29 years report they feel alone.
The situation is even more demanding in low -income countries, in which one in four people live with the problem. Minorized groups, such as people with disabilities, migrants and LGBTQIA+population, face further obstacles to create and maintain social bonds.
Health risks
Several studies have already associated loneliness with an increased risk of chronic diseases and mental disorders. Living alone, for example, can increase the possibilities of developing cardiovascular diseases, depression, anxiety and cognitive decline.
The psychiatrist Luiz Zoldan, medical director of the Instein Mental Health and Welfare Space at the Israelite hospital Albert Einstein, strengthens the severity of the theme.
“There are several robust tests that evaluate this theme and show that social relationships influence mortality in a way comparable to well -established risk factors such as cigarettes,” he explained. “Studies show that people with good ties have 50% more possibilities to survive compared to the block.”
How loneliness affects the body
Loneliness can activate responses to stress that influence endocrine, immune and cardiovascular systems. This reaction generates hormonal changes and inflammatory processes related to the emergence of various chronic diseases.
In addition, social isolation can encourage harmful behaviors such as smoke, excessive drinks, adopt a sedentary lifestyle and have a low adherence to medical treatments. The absence of social support also makes it difficult to deal with daily problems and reduces the motivation to seek well -being.
The importance of social connections
Those who say that investing in social connections does not only bring individual benefits, but strengthen the social fabric of the communities. For the entity, quality interpersonal relationships act as a disease protection factor, increase motivation and promote resilience in the face of challenges.
Zoldan strengthens that loneliness must be seen as a central public health theme:
“It is not only an emotional good, but a public health problem. It is a predominant issue that must be treated with effective public policies.”
Source: Terra

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