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Loneliness is deadlier than smoking fifteen cigarettes a day and worse for you than obesity: America’s top doctor joins the UN’s fight against isolation

Loneliness is deadlier than smoking fifteen cigarettes a day and worse for you than obesity: America’s top doctor joins the UN’s fight against isolation

America’s top doctor has joined UN efforts to combat the scourge of loneliness, which he says is more dangerous than obesity, physical inactivity – and even smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Dr. Vivek Murthy, the surgeon general, this week joined a UN social outreach commission aimed at combating global isolation and the higher rates of stroke, anxiety, dementia, depression and suicide it causes.

Loneliness rates have been rising for years, but have worsened rapidly during the pandemic lockdowns.

In 2020, Americans spent about 20 minutes a day in person with friends, up from an hour a day about two decades earlier.

Ken Mattlin, 86, of Bakersfield, California, has turned to robots and gadgets to keep him company during America’s loneliness epidemic

Living in social isolation can be as harmful to your health as consuming almost a pack of cigarettes a day

Living in social isolation can be as harmful to your health as consuming almost a pack of cigarettes a day

The United Nations’ World Health Organization (WHO) says the problem extends far beyond US borders.

About a quarter of older people worldwide are socially isolated, as are between 5 and 15 percent of young people. Research shows that this is likely an undercount.

Karen DeSalvo, Google's head of health, is also on the UN panel

Karen DeSalvo, Google’s head of health, is also on the UN panel

Dr Murthy, co-chair of the 11-member WHO panel, said social isolation has “profound health and social consequences”, including a 30 percent higher risk of heart disease.

“We have an obligation to make the same investments in rebuilding the social fabric of society as we do in addressing other global health challenges such as tobacco use, obesity and the addiction crisis,” he said.

In a recommendation in May, dr. Murthy urged Americans to spend more time with friends, family and colleagues and less time online, staring at their smartphones or focusing on social media.

Social isolation is as harmful to you as smoking fifteen cigarettes a day, says the council.

It’s also worse than being overweight or not exercising.

In Kissimmee, Florida, a group bingo and meal program aims to create a sense of community and combat loneliness

In Kissimmee, Florida, a group bingo and meal program aims to create a sense of community and combat loneliness

America's own report on social isolation contained alarming findings for the country of 340 million people

America’s own report on social isolation contained alarming findings for the country of 340 million people

Loneliness increases the risk of premature death by nearly 30 percent, and people with poor social relationships also have a higher risk of stroke and heart disease.

Isolation also increases the likelihood of someone developing depression, anxiety and dementia.

More than half of Americans now experience loneliness, especially younger adults.

The time Americans spend with friends dropped by 20 hours per month between 2003 and 2020.

Meanwhile, time spent alone has increased by up to 24 hours, likely exacerbated by the coronavirus restrictions.

The pandemic has caused schools and workplaces to close their doors and millions of people to isolate themselves at home, away from their loved ones.

Technology has exacerbated the problem.

One study found that people who used social media for two hours or more a day were more than twice as likely to feel socially isolated as those who used such apps for less than 30 minutes a day.

Research shows that Americans who have become less involved in religious services, community groups, and even their own families report increasing feelings of loneliness in recent decades.

The number of single-person households in the US has also doubled in the last 60 years.

Dr.  Vivek Murthy to co-chair the World Health Organization's triennial panel on social isolation

Dr. Vivek Murthy to co-chair the World Health Organization’s triennial panel on social isolation

Covid restrictions forced the country into isolation.  Here, Jose Guerra stands on his balcony in Houston during a quarantine period

Covid restrictions forced the country into isolation. Here, Jose Guerra stands on his balcony in Houston during a quarantine period

To combat the scourge of loneliness, children should learn to build and maintain healthy relationships, talk to friends, join social clubs, volunteer or eat out with people, the consultant said.

Socially connected people live longer because loneliness can cause chronic stress and lead to inflammation that damages tissues and blood vessels.

The WHO committee brings Dr. Murthy joined other global experts on the problem – from Japan’s Minister of Loneliness and Isolation, Ayuko Kato, to Google’s Chief Health Officer, Karen Desalvo.

They will meet for the first time next month and will be tasked with evaluating the levers governments can use to bring people together and reporting back in early 2025.

Dr. Murthy’s co-chair and African Union youth envoy, Chido Mpemba, said loneliness was a global problem that could affect “anyone, at any age, anywhere”.

He called for more “investment in social connections.”

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