Evidence
One in six people feel lonely
FactIn June 2025 the World Health Organization reported that about 1 in 6 people worldwide are affected by loneliness.
FactAmong people aged 13 to 29, 17 to 21% report feeling lonely, and loneliness is linked to more than 871,000 deaths a year.
InterpretationMore apps and more followers have not fixed it. Small, regular, face-to-face contact seems to matter more than big gestures.
Ask whyWho did you speak to face to face this week, and who have you not heard from in a while?
What we know
Loneliness is common worldwide and is linked to poorer health.What we don't know
Which kinds of contact help most for each person; it varies.What it means for me: three seeds
- Call one person you have not spoken to in a month.
- Eat one meal this week with someone, phones away.
- Learn the name of one neighbour or shopkeeper.