Loneliness Statistics - The Untalked-Of Epidemic
- shattereddynasty
- Aug 11
- 12 min read
Have you ever felt lonely?
If so, you're not alone. The World Health Organisation estimates that around 16% of people around the world experience some form of loneliness (WHO, 2025). This figure may not
seem all that high when you think of how 84% of people don’t, however the group experiencing the highest level of loneliness may surprise you.
I’m sure you’ve seen one advert or another on TV depicting an elderly person at home all alone, especially around Christmas; however, they’re no longer the age group experiencing the highest level of loneliness. Whilst they still suffer isolation, it’s actually the digital aged generation who report feeling the highest levels of loneliness. In the UK people aged 16-24 had the highest percentage (9%) of feeling lonely, compared to people aged 75 and over where just 5% reported feeling lonely ‘often or always’. (GOV.uk 2026)
Other factors were discussed in the report too including disabilities, sex, ethnicity and others. The report is linked if you wish to read it in full.
Is our digital world that we spend so much time in, causing real life effects offline? How is the generation that we thought would be more connected, lonelier than the generation we’ve always thought of as being more isolated?
There’s often an assumption that social media and online communities somehow ease this feeling. That they connect people in a way that might not be possible in offline life. Such as people from different countries, demographics and languages. But the data shows that isn’t the case. In fact the data shows that it’s causing more harm than good, and that the connection online doesn't transfer to everyday life. The purpose of this post is purely to share loneliness statistics and the genuine, physical harm that loneliness and isolation causes. In my opinion spending too much time online is like spending too much time in a virtual reality world; it’s not real and doesn’t ease the need for actual company or physical interaction.
There are different types of loneliness and different reasons. You can be surrounded by people you know and still feel lonely. Sometimes loneliness shows up when you’re having a hard time and nobody shows up to support you. Sometimes even the most unexpected people can feel lonely.
There is a popular Korean actor, literally sunshine in human form, that I was really shocked to read, is incredibly lonely due to deciding not to date anyone in the same industry. He’s handsome, smiley and by all appearances fun to be around, but even with the incredible popularity Korean culture is having right now, him being lonely proves that nobody is immune. In fact statistics from a 2025 Ministry of Data and Statistics survey showed that 38.2% of people aged 13 and over reported feeling lonely. In fact, loneliness and social isolation is such a big issue that the Seoul Metropolitan Government has declared the 19th of every month to be ‘No Loneliness Day’. It doesn’t stop there. Loneliness is such a big worldwide epidemic that multiple countries are taking measures to reduce these numbers.
Loneliness is a huge cause of depression and anxiety, with numbers rising constantly. But it isn’t just mental health issues this can cause. A WHO report claimed that “loneliness and social isolation increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline, and premature death.” With 1 in 6 people worldwide suffering from loneliness, the pressure on health industries across the globe is immense.
Across the internet I have seen posts from people who are using AI chatbots to combat loneliness, even going as far as trying to replicate a ‘lovers’ interaction. Whilst they offer a short term reprieve, I can’t help but feel this is exacerbating the issue in the long run. Humans are social creatures, we always have been, it’s written in our DNA whether we like it or not, but this new digital era is replacing far too much human face-to-face contact with digital versions. Whatsapp, instagram, facebook etc’ are all ‘social’ medias, but the real people behind them are often hiding behind a ‘digital persona’. The anonymity, the courage to say what you wouldn’t say face-to-face, the ability to step outside of your genuine self and be someone else is pulling us away from who we really are. We have “keyboard warriors” often rude and threatening because they’re safe behind a screen; Influencers, people who often show a glamorous lifestyle that is oftentimes nothing more than smoke and mirrors. The private jet they post a picture of, might be nothing more than a photo taken on a fake plane (I’m not even kidding, this set exists!), all that money - they probably printed themselves. OH and that flashy car they’re leaning on the hood of? Was nothing more than one they happened to find whilst out and about, taking a quick snap for the gram before the real owner shows up. Not everything online is fake though, but it’s hard to filter out the rubbish and with the arrival of AI, reality is even harder to find.
A report from Stanford University suggests that people who use AI chatbots experience lower well-being (news.stanford.edu Aug 2026). This report is a contradiction from a prior Harvard University report that claims AI chatbots may offer short term relief from loneliness. (Julian De Freitas - Dec 2025). I’m likely significantly less educated than either author, however, I can’t help but feel that the short-term relief can cause long term worsening. I imagine that after each session with an AI companion, that feeling of loneliness, and possibly emptiness, just increases beyond despair as the return to a reality in which you’re on your own in hits.
But loneliness isn’t your fault, and it isn’t a personal failing. In a world that expects everyone to be so easily connected, feeling lonely can sometimes carry shame, like the fault is on you, or there’s something wrong with you. There isn’t, often the cause of it is external factors that are completely outside of your control.
What causes loneliness?
Pregnancy: It’s not uncommon to lose connection to your friends when you become pregnant. It’s a really big and amazing life change and once the baby is born, many of your ‘non parent’ friends seem to gradually pull away. You can’t go to all the meetups, stay out late and perhaps can’t afford as much. Whilst pregnancy is something you can control, the reaction of others you cannot. It’s natural to want to grow your family, and having a baby is wonderful. It isn’t worth holding off on just so you don’t lose the connection with your old friends, as you could possibly make new friends with other new mums.
Unexpected life changes: Suddenly losing your job, a bereavement, ending a relationship or even finding yourself caring for a sick relative can all contribute to feeling lonely. It could be that the people around you can’t understand what you’re going through, or you can’t meet up as frequently due to financial or time constraints.
Suffering trauma: Trauma is something that completely derails your life as it was; you’re not the same person you were before and you can’t get that person back. You have to live with the difference and sometimes other people can’t deal with it. Anxiety, depression, fears are all things that can make connecting with people so much harder and despite it not being your fault, you’re the one who pays the consequences. It can be incredibly isolating, which makes that loneliness even heavier.
Relocation: Sometimes you have to move and if you’re moving quite a distance away from your friends it can leave you feeling isolated and alone. Whilst being alone sometimes can have positive benefits, the isolation during such a big change can often hit a little harder and create a heavy sense of loneliness.
Disability: There is such a wide list of disabilities that can make socialisation harder. It could be that you struggle with understanding, with movement, pain, or even blindness and deafness. Any disability that affects your ability to communicate can lead to loneliness. Not because of the disability itself, but because of general society’s failure to bridge the gap.
Whilst these are just a few examples, they are a few that exemplify how external factors beyond a person's control could be used to ameliorate their isolation and loneliness.
But the effects of loneliness aren’t confined to mental or emotional suffering, they manifest physically too. The physical impact of this is so significant and widespread that countries all over the world are taking action, extending studies or putting to use millions of pounds in order to help tackle the issue. The impact, such as increased risk of disease, higher risk of dementia and even shortened life expectancy is well documented in various studies, including those mentioned through this post.
A study by the National Institute on Aging found that loneliness increased a person's risk of developing dementia by up to 31%. Aside from other risks, such as premature deaths, obesity and the risks detailed above, the impact of loneliness has been considered equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day!
Sadly, this isn’t a new issue. In the years between 2014-2019 871,000 deaths were attributed to being caused by loneliness. In South Korea, a 2024 comprehensive study by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, detailed a 7.2% rise in ‘Godoksa’ (meaning lonely death) , up to 3924 from the year before. In the UK, whilst no formal figures exist, there has been a continuous increase in lonely deaths which only increased during the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic. Yet even before these statistics, loneliness was a big issue, it is only in more recent years that world governments have realised it needs to be taken seriously.
So what can we do about it? How can we help people suffering from loneliness and how can we help ourselves avoid feeling lonely as much as possible? There are a few key things I want to talk about regarding this. Firstly, being more compassionate, empathetic and understanding can go a long way in helping people. Checking up on friends, especially those who are new parents to let them know you’re still there and they aren’t suddenly on their own.
Learning another language can help with interacting with people. Some people may have had to suddenly relocate to your country and a language barrier could be stopping them from integrating. Any second language could prove helpful. Sign language: This is one I'm slowly learning and I feel that it would be really appreciated by the deaf community so they don’t have to rely on lip reading alone. Same with braille. Given how disabled people are more likely to feel lonely, taking the steps to learn how to communicate with them will allow them to feel included and less isolated.
Empty Chairs UK: Described as a ‘community-led campaign inviting people to sit together at pub tables across the UK’ . This is one I find absolutely brilliant and so simple. One person will organise a table at a location and will leave all other chairs around it empty. They wear an orange jumper so they can be identified and anyone who wants to, can show up and sit at the table. Talking isn’t obligated, you can just sit there until you feel comfortable. This happens across the UK, but if there isn’t one organised where you live, why don’t you go ahead and sign up as a host? If you’re not in the UK, have a look and see if there is something similar in your country, if not, why not create one?
Reasons To Stay: Described as a ‘Global suicide prevention project reaching people at difficult moments through anonymous letters written by volunteers from all over the world.’ Reasons to stay was created by Ben West after losing his brother to suicide in 2018 and if you see any of Ben’s videos, you’ll see how much it means to him to share letters written by real people to whoever needs it, in the hopes of preventing more tragedies. Loneliness increases your risk of depression, which in turn increases your risk of suicide, so if you ever need a reason to stay make sure you check out their website. All you have to do is open the page and a letter is displayed, with the option to view more. Further support links will be detailed at the end of this post.
Healing Toolkit For Loneliness
All links and products contained in this toolkit are offered as complementary support, not as a substitute for professional care.
If you’re currently working through feelings of loneliness, or simply needing that extra boost to your wellbeing, crystals are often helpful tools for emotional healing. Remember though, crystals are a support tool, not a cure. Click the name of the crystal to see what products are currently in store.
Rose Quartz: The stone of love and peace. Rose Quartz promotes the healing of your heart and draws unconditional love towards you. It is helpful in overcoming trauma, grief, addiction and shows you how to love yourself. In a crisis Rose Quartz would ward off negative energy and fill the void with loving warmth. It encourages self-acceptance, self-worth and being accustomed to new changes. The energy of this stone will support you as you overcome blockages to improve loneliness, reminding you that you are worthy of love.
Rhodochrosite: For compassion, love and drawing away a dark mood, replacing it with light positive energy. Rhodochrosite aids you with emotional release, especially with matters of the heart. It removes blockages to cultivating new friendships and relationships by removing unreasonable fears, stress, self-doubt and replacing them with positive alternatives. If your loneliness is caused by any of these, this stone will be a valuable tool.
Black Tourmaline: An essential tool for blocking and withdrawing negative energies, offering protection against ill will and even your own negative thoughts. It grounds energy and imparts a positive attitude. If other people's ill intentions, or your own inner thoughts are what is contributing to your loneliness, this is a handy tool for you. Keep with you when out and about to dissuade negativity and banish fear.
Lava stone (Basalt): A volcanic stone that helps with grounding and protection. It helps in reducing stress, stabilising emotions and healing even the deepest feelings of anger. Boosting resilience: it will help you survive negative social situations, encouraging resilience and a positive outlook. Basalt is also handy for aromatherapy, when worn you can imbue the stone with a relaxing scent such as lavender, or any scent which encourages calm, resilience and positive vibes.
Incense sticks are also a really handy tool to use, especially when trying to meditate or ground yourself.
Other tools that you may find beneficial include exercise, especially walking, though this page from Harvard also mentions the benefits of Tai Chi. Swimming is another great form of exercise and has a low impact on joints. Sometimes strength training can be your best bet if feeling powerless is what’s getting in your way.
Finding a local group, or joining a hobby class is also a good way to get out and meet new people. Often there are groups held at churches, community centres or libraries. It’s best to check out what is available in your area and if there isn’t anything, make one! I can guarantee you won’t be the only lonely person.
In the UK we have communities like ‘The Lonely Girls Club’ for women, or ‘Andy’s Man Club’ for men. There is also ‘Meetup’ that has a group where disabled people around the UK can find or host a meetup for those with similar disabilities. For disclosure, I haven’t done a deep dive into these, so wherever you look for groups, please make sure you do your research first. Try things like ‘meetup your city reviews’ to look into them and see if people close by have any experience with them. If you also lookup ‘social groups near me’ that may show you some local options. You can also search for specific hobby groups, such as ‘photography group near me’.
Other sources of support are:
You can also get in touch with charity shops to see about volunteering there too.
FAQ on Loneliness
Which age group experiences the highest levels of loneliness?
In the UK, 16-24 year olds currently experience the highest levels of loneliness despite being better connected digitally.
What are the physical effects of loneliness?
Sadly, loneliness is a contributor to premature death, stroke, dementia, heart disease and diabetes. With the effects on the body equivalent to those who smoke 15 cigarettes a day.
Why am I lonely in my 20s?
Sadly, those in their 20s, especially the lower half are more likely to experience loneliness as most of their connection happens online. Major life transitions, such as finishing university, starting a new career or moving out of home can also exacerbate this feeling.
Does loneliness cause depression?
Yes. Unfortunately loneliness and isolation cause a significant contribution to feelings of depression and anxiety. Which unfortunately makes the task of socialising even more difficult, creating a very difficult cycle to escape from.
What can I do if I feel lonely?
If you feel lonely, reach out to any of your friends or family. If that isn’t an option or doesn’t ease the feeling, check out some charities or communities such as Empty Chairs UK, Andy’s Man Club, The Lonely Girls Club or even Marmalade Trust. Use some of the links in this post to find the best suited group for you. Start small, and if you’re really struggling, try Reasons To Stay, an initiative to combat suicide. But remember, it isn’t your fault.
I hope that if you're reading this you have found it useful, and if you're struggling, I hope the links help. If you're not in the UK, I hope it at least gives you an idea of what you should search for in your country. This post has also inspired me to create a forum on the website; whilst this won't alleviate loneliness on it's own, I am hoping to include a section where people can post their support links for their specific country, or maybe even start some emporium meetups? Let me know your thoughts.
Be well
Suzanne
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