1 in 6
people worldwide experience loneliness
The World Health Organization estimates that around 16% of people worldwide experience loneliness.
World Health Organization, June 30, 2025Link to this statisticResearch reference
Social Connection and Loneliness Statistics: 2026
Eight current, citable figures about loneliness, isolation, and the value of feeling connected.
Last updated September 9, 2026. Every statistic below links to its original source.
The big picture
Connection is more than a nice-to-have.
Social connection includes the relationships, belonging, and support that help people feel part of each other’s lives. Loneliness and social isolation are different experiences, but both can affect health and well-being.
These figures bring together the latest global estimates and major research reviews. They are here for anyone writing, reporting, teaching, or trying to understand why a small act of reaching out can matter.
The numbers
Eight statistics to cite.
11.8%
of older people worldwide experience loneliness
Loneliness is not confined to younger people. WHO's latest estimate puts the rate among older people at 11.8%.
World Health Organization, June 30, 2025Link to this statistic871,000
deaths a year are linked to loneliness
WHO reports that loneliness is associated with an estimated 871,000 deaths each year around the world.
World Health Organization, June 30, 2025Link to this statistic50%
greater likelihood of survival with stronger social relationships
A meta-analysis of 148 studies, covering 308,849 people, found a 50% greater likelihood of survival for people with stronger social relationships.
Holt-Lunstad, Smith, and Layton, PLOS Medicine, July 27, 2010Link to this statistic29%
higher likelihood of early death with social isolation
A large 2015 meta-analysis found that social isolation was associated with a 29% higher likelihood of premature death.
Holt-Lunstad et al., Perspectives on Psychological Science, March 2015Link to this statistic26%
higher likelihood of early death with loneliness
The same meta-analysis found that loneliness was associated with a 26% higher likelihood of premature death.
Holt-Lunstad et al., Perspectives on Psychological Science, March 2015Link to this statistic32%
higher likelihood of early death for people living alone
Living alone was associated with a 32% higher likelihood of premature death in the same evidence review.
Holt-Lunstad et al., Perspectives on Psychological Science, March 2015Link to this statistic29% / 32%
higher risk of coronary heart disease and stroke
A review of 23 studies found social isolation and loneliness were associated with a 29% higher risk of coronary heart disease and a 32% higher risk of stroke.
Valtorta et al., Heart, April 2016Link to this statisticMethod and sources
How these numbers were selected.
This page uses reports from public health organizations and original peer-reviewed research. We selected statistics with a clear source, publication date, and context. Association does not by itself prove cause and effect, so the wording above follows the language used in the underlying research.
- World Health Organization, published June 30, 2025
- Holt-Lunstad, Smith, and Layton, PLOS Medicine, published July 27, 2010
- Holt-Lunstad et al., Perspectives on Psychological Science, published March 2015
- Valtorta et al., Heart, published April 2016
Cite this page
Make the source easy to follow.
Suggested citation: Seenly. Social Connection and Loneliness Statistics: 2026. Updated September 9, 2026.
Link to this page, or use the “Link to this statistic” option on any source card. For research and reporting, please also review the original source listed with that statistic.
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