GITNUXREPORT 2026

Loneliness Statistics

Loneliness is a global epidemic affecting millions, with significant health and social impacts.

Min-ji Park

Research Analyst focused on sustainability and consumer trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

In the U.S., 2023 data shows 61% of young adults aged 18-25 feel lonely.

Statistic 2

UK Office for National Statistics 2022: Women are 1.5 times more likely to feel lonely than men.

Statistic 3

Globally, loneliness peaks at 15-24 years and over 70 years per 2023 WHO data.

Statistic 4

In the U.S., 79% of Gen Z report loneliness vs. 41% of Baby Boomers (Cigna 2023).

Statistic 5

Low-income adults in U.S. are 2x more likely to be lonely (CDC 2021).

Statistic 6

LGBTQ+ individuals report 2-3x higher loneliness rates (2022 Trevor Project).

Statistic 7

Rural U.S. residents 29% more likely to be lonely than urban (2023 USDA).

Statistic 8

In UK, 45% of disabled adults feel lonely often (Scope 2022).

Statistic 9

U.S. Black adults 28% lonely vs. 20% White (KFF 2022).

Statistic 10

Single parents in Australia 40% higher loneliness (AIHW 2020).

Statistic 11

In Japan, 40% of elderly living alone report loneliness (2021).

Statistic 12

U.S. veterans 30% more lonely than civilians (VA 2023).

Statistic 13

Immigrants in Canada 1.8x loneliness risk (StatsCan 2022).

Statistic 14

Unemployed EU adults 50% more likely lonely (Eurostat 2022).

Statistic 15

U.S. college students 44% lonely (Healthy Minds 2023).

Statistic 16

Widowed individuals 2.5x loneliness risk globally (2023 meta-analysis).

Statistic 17

Low education levels correlate with 35% higher loneliness (Gallup 2022).

Statistic 18

In India, urban migrants 32% lonely vs. 12% non-migrants (2021).

Statistic 19

U.S. Hispanic adults 25% report loneliness (KFF 2022).

Statistic 20

Caregivers in UK 25% more isolated (2022 Carers UK).

Statistic 21

Remote workers 1.6x lonelier (2023 Buffer survey).

Statistic 22

Divorced individuals 1.7x higher loneliness (U.S. 2023).

Statistic 23

In Brazil, favela residents 42% lonely (2022 Lancet).

Statistic 24

Elderly men in South Korea 35% lonelier than women (2023).

Statistic 25

U.S. Asian Americans 22% loneliness rate (2022).

Statistic 26

Low SES youth in SA 50% lonely (HSRC 2021).

Statistic 27

Loneliness is associated with 2.3x depression risk (2023 meta-analysis).

Statistic 28

Lonely individuals 1.9x more likely to develop anxiety disorders (2022).

Statistic 29

Chronic loneliness triples suicidal ideation rates (2021 CDC).

Statistic 30

Social isolation boosts PTSD symptoms by 40% (2023 VA).

Statistic 31

Loneliness correlates with 50% higher schizophrenia relapse (2022).

Statistic 32

High loneliness linked to 2x bipolar disorder episodes (2021).

Statistic 33

Isolated youth 3x eating disorder risk (2023).

Statistic 34

Loneliness increases addiction relapse by 35% (2022 SAMHSA).

Statistic 35

Social disconnection raises OCD severity by 25% (2021).

Statistic 36

Lonely adults 1.6x more self-harm attempts (2020).

Statistic 37

High isolation linked to 45% worse treatment outcomes for depression (2023).

Statistic 38

Loneliness exacerbates ADHD symptoms by 30% (2022).

Statistic 39

Chronic loneliness doubles personality disorder traits (2021).

Statistic 40

Isolated elderly 2.5x cognitive decline rate (2022).

Statistic 41

Loneliness raises panic disorder incidence by 28% (2023).

Statistic 42

Social isolation correlates with 60% higher burnout (2022).

Statistic 43

Lonely students 2x dropout risk due to mental strain (2023).

Statistic 44

High loneliness linked to 1.8x insomnia comorbidity (2020).

Statistic 45

Isolation boosts borderline personality instability by 40% (2021).

Statistic 46

Loneliness increases dissociative symptoms by 22% (2022).

Statistic 47

Chronic loneliness triples grief complication (2023).

Statistic 48

Socially disconnected 1.7x higher hypochondria (2021).

Statistic 49

Loneliness correlates with 35% worse schizophrenia social cognition (2022).

Statistic 50

Isolated workers 50% higher stress disorders (2023 Buffer).

Statistic 51

Loneliness raises autism-related anxiety by 30% (2021).

Statistic 52

High isolation linked to 2.2x phobia development (2020).

Statistic 53

Loneliness exacerbates 40% of mood disorder severity (2023).

Statistic 54

Loneliness increases dementia risk by 50% (2023 meta-analysis).

Statistic 55

Lonely adults 29% higher risk of heart disease (HHS 2023).

Statistic 56

Chronic loneliness raises stroke risk by 32% (2021 study).

Statistic 57

Loneliness associated with 57% increased premature mortality (2015 meta).

Statistic 58

High loneliness correlates with 30% higher hypertension risk (CDC 2021).

Statistic 59

Lonely individuals have 50% elevated Type 2 diabetes risk (2022).

Statistic 60

Social isolation boosts cancer mortality by 26% (2023).

Statistic 61

Loneliness weakens immune function, increasing cold susceptibility by 4x (2005).

Statistic 62

Lonely older adults 45% more likely to develop mobility issues (2021).

Statistic 63

High loneliness linked to 40% faster biological aging (2022).

Statistic 64

Loneliness increases obesity risk by 20% via poor habits (2023).

Statistic 65

Isolated patients have 68% higher hospitalization rates (2020).

Statistic 66

Loneliness raises chronic pain incidence by 25% (2022).

Statistic 67

Social disconnection correlates with 15% higher arthritis progression (2021).

Statistic 68

Lonely smokers have 2x lung disease progression (2023).

Statistic 69

Loneliness linked to 35% increased Alzheimer's biomarkers (2022).

Statistic 70

High isolation boosts frailty risk by 50% in elderly (2021).

Statistic 71

Loneliness elevates cortisol levels by 20-30% chronically (2005).

Statistic 72

Socially isolated have 27% higher cardiovascular events (2016).

Statistic 73

Loneliness increases sleep disturbance by 40% (2020).

Statistic 74

Isolated diabetics 2x poor glycemic control (2022).

Statistic 75

Loneliness correlates with 22% higher inflammation markers (2023).

Statistic 76

Chronic loneliness shortens telomeres by 200 base pairs (2011).

Statistic 77

Lonely adults 31% more likely to die from infectious diseases (2021).

Statistic 78

Social isolation raises hip fracture risk post-fall by 2.4x (2022).

Statistic 79

Loneliness linked to 18% higher respiratory infection severity (2020).

Statistic 80

High loneliness increases rheumatoid arthritis flares by 28% (2021).

Statistic 81

According to a 2023 Cigna survey, 52% of U.S. adults report feeling lonely, with the figure rising to 58% among Gen Z.

Statistic 82

A 2021 meta-analysis found that 33% of adults worldwide experience chronic loneliness.

Statistic 83

In the UK, 9% of adults often or always feel lonely as per the 2022 Office for National Statistics survey.

Statistic 84

CDC data from 2021 shows 1 in 3 U.S. adults over 45 report serious loneliness.

Statistic 85

A 2023 WHO report indicates 25% of older adults globally feel lonely.

Statistic 86

Gallup's 2022 World Poll revealed 23% of global respondents feel very or fairly lonely.

Statistic 87

In Japan, 2021 government survey found 20.7% of people aged 15-64 feel lonely.

Statistic 88

Australia's 2020 Household Survey reported 23% of adults experienced high loneliness.

Statistic 89

A 2022 EU survey showed 13% of Europeans feel lonely most or all of the time.

Statistic 90

India's 2021 Longitudinal Ageing Study indicated 14% of elderly report loneliness.

Statistic 91

Brazil's 2022 national health survey found 28% of adults feel lonely frequently.

Statistic 92

South Africa's 2021 Human Sciences Research Council survey reported 35% loneliness among youth.

Statistic 93

Canada's 2022 Statistics Canada data shows 22% of adults aged 15+ feel lonely.

Statistic 94

A 2023 Harvard study found 36% of U.S. adults report serious loneliness.

Statistic 95

New Zealand's 2021 General Social Survey indicated 15% often feel lonely.

Statistic 96

Sweden's 2022 Public Health Agency survey reported 10% chronic loneliness in adults.

Statistic 97

Mexico's 2021 ENSANUT survey found 27% of adults experience loneliness.

Statistic 98

Russia's 2022 Rosstat data shows 18% of urban residents feel lonely.

Statistic 99

A 2020 global review estimated 20-34% prevalence of loneliness across 113 countries.

Statistic 100

Ireland's 2023 Growing Up in Ireland study found 24% of adolescents report loneliness.

Statistic 101

U.S. Surgeon General 2023 advisory states half of U.S. adults experience loneliness.

Statistic 102

A 2022 Kaiser Family Foundation poll showed 33% of U.S. adults lonely some or all of the time.

Statistic 103

Norway's 2021 survey indicated 12% of population feels lonely weekly.

Statistic 104

Turkey's 2022 health ministry data reported 21% loneliness in urban areas.

Statistic 105

A 2023 Lancet study across 17 countries found average 27% loneliness rate.

Statistic 106

Finland's 2022 wellbeing survey showed 8% severe loneliness.

Statistic 107

Germany's 2021 DEGS survey reported 16% of adults feel lonely often.

Statistic 108

South Korea's 2023 survey found 29% of single-person households lonely.

Statistic 109

Spain's 2022 ENS survey indicated 19% frequent loneliness.

Statistic 110

A 2021 global systematic review reported 26% pooled prevalence of loneliness.

Statistic 111

Post-COVID loneliness interventions reduced isolation by 20% (2023 HHS).

Statistic 112

UK loneliness strategy reached 1 million people since 2018 (2022).

Statistic 113

U.S. Medicare loneliness screenings increased 15% in 2023.

Statistic 114

Community volunteering cuts loneliness by 25% (2022 meta-analysis).

Statistic 115

Digital befriending programs reduce loneliness 18% in elderly (2021).

Statistic 116

Pet ownership lowers loneliness scores by 12 points (2023).

Statistic 117

Group therapy interventions effective for 65% of lonely adults (2022).

Statistic 118

Workplace connection programs reduced employee loneliness 22% (Buffer 2023).

Statistic 119

National park visits correlate with 15% loneliness drop (2021 NPS).

Statistic 120

School-based anti-loneliness programs cut youth rates 30% (2023).

Statistic 121

Telephone support lines helped 40% of callers (UK 2022).

Statistic 122

Urban green spaces reduce loneliness by 17% (2022).

Statistic 123

Faith-based groups lower loneliness 28% in members (2021).

Statistic 124

Online social prescribing platforms engaged 500k users (NHS 2023).

Statistic 125

Neighbor connection apps reduced isolation 20% (2022).

Statistic 126

Art therapy workshops cut loneliness 25% (2023 meta).

Statistic 127

Policy funding for loneliness in U.S. rose 50% post-2023 advisory.

Statistic 128

Men's sheds programs in Australia helped 70k reduce loneliness (2022).

Statistic 129

Virtual reality social experiences lowered scores 16% (2021).

Statistic 130

Public awareness campaigns shifted attitudes in 35% (UK 2022).

Statistic 131

Exercise classes for seniors reduced loneliness 32% (2023).

Statistic 132

Library social programs reached 2 million lonely adults (2022 ALA).

Statistic 133

Gaming communities cut youth loneliness 21% (2023).

Statistic 134

Policy integration in 50 U.S. states post-advisory (2023).

Statistic 135

Befriending services cost-effective at $500 per quality year (2022 NICE).

Statistic 136

Music therapy interventions effective for 55% (2021 meta).

Statistic 137

Loneliness rates dropped 10% post-COVID vaccine rollouts (2022).

Statistic 138

Corporate wellness programs reduced staff loneliness 18% (2023).

Statistic 139

National helplines handled 1.5M loneliness calls (2022).

Statistic 140

Gardening clubs lowered scores 24% in participants (2022).

Statistic 141

Tech training for elderly cut digital loneliness 27% (2023).

1/141

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More than half of American adults feel lonely, a silent epidemic that spans from Gen Z grappling with 58% loneliness rates to older adults facing a 50% higher dementia risk, revealing a global crisis where connection is the most urgent medicine we need to prescribe.

Key Takeaways

According to a 2023 Cigna survey, 52% of U.S. adults report feeling lonely, with the figure rising to 58% among Gen Z.
A 2021 meta-analysis found that 33% of adults worldwide experience chronic loneliness.
In the UK, 9% of adults often or always feel lonely as per the 2022 Office for National Statistics survey.
In the U.S., 2023 data shows 61% of young adults aged 18-25 feel lonely.
UK Office for National Statistics 2022: Women are 1.5 times more likely to feel lonely than men.
Globally, loneliness peaks at 15-24 years and over 70 years per 2023 WHO data.
Loneliness increases dementia risk by 50% (2023 meta-analysis).
Lonely adults 29% higher risk of heart disease (HHS 2023).
Chronic loneliness raises stroke risk by 32% (2021 study).
Loneliness is associated with 2.3x depression risk (2023 meta-analysis).
Lonely individuals 1.9x more likely to develop anxiety disorders (2022).
Chronic loneliness triples suicidal ideation rates (2021 CDC).
Post-COVID loneliness interventions reduced isolation by 20% (2023 HHS).
UK loneliness strategy reached 1 million people since 2018 (2022).
U.S. Medicare loneliness screenings increased 15% in 2023.

Loneliness is a global epidemic affecting millions, with significant health and social impacts.

Demographic Breakdowns

In the U.S., 2023 data shows 61% of young adults aged 18-25 feel lonely.
UK Office for National Statistics 2022: Women are 1.5 times more likely to feel lonely than men.
Globally, loneliness peaks at 15-24 years and over 70 years per 2023 WHO data.
In the U.S., 79% of Gen Z report loneliness vs. 41% of Baby Boomers (Cigna 2023).
Low-income adults in U.S. are 2x more likely to be lonely (CDC 2021).
LGBTQ+ individuals report 2-3x higher loneliness rates (2022 Trevor Project).
Rural U.S. residents 29% more likely to be lonely than urban (2023 USDA).
In UK, 45% of disabled adults feel lonely often (Scope 2022).
U.S. Black adults 28% lonely vs. 20% White (KFF 2022).
Single parents in Australia 40% higher loneliness (AIHW 2020).
In Japan, 40% of elderly living alone report loneliness (2021).
U.S. veterans 30% more lonely than civilians (VA 2023).
Immigrants in Canada 1.8x loneliness risk (StatsCan 2022).
Unemployed EU adults 50% more likely lonely (Eurostat 2022).
U.S. college students 44% lonely (Healthy Minds 2023).
Widowed individuals 2.5x loneliness risk globally (2023 meta-analysis).
Low education levels correlate with 35% higher loneliness (Gallup 2022).
In India, urban migrants 32% lonely vs. 12% non-migrants (2021).
U.S. Hispanic adults 25% report loneliness (KFF 2022).
Caregivers in UK 25% more isolated (2022 Carers UK).
Remote workers 1.6x lonelier (2023 Buffer survey).
Divorced individuals 1.7x higher loneliness (U.S. 2023).
In Brazil, favela residents 42% lonely (2022 Lancet).
Elderly men in South Korea 35% lonelier than women (2023).
U.S. Asian Americans 22% loneliness rate (2022).
Low SES youth in SA 50% lonely (HSRC 2021).

Demographic Breakdowns Interpretation

While we have meticulously charted loneliness as a predictable epidemic afflicting the young, the old, and anyone on society's margins, we treat it with the collective urgency of a missing sock, proving we'd rather study isolation than actually end it.

Mental Health Impacts

Loneliness is associated with 2.3x depression risk (2023 meta-analysis).
Lonely individuals 1.9x more likely to develop anxiety disorders (2022).
Chronic loneliness triples suicidal ideation rates (2021 CDC).
Social isolation boosts PTSD symptoms by 40% (2023 VA).
Loneliness correlates with 50% higher schizophrenia relapse (2022).
High loneliness linked to 2x bipolar disorder episodes (2021).
Isolated youth 3x eating disorder risk (2023).
Loneliness increases addiction relapse by 35% (2022 SAMHSA).
Social disconnection raises OCD severity by 25% (2021).
Lonely adults 1.6x more self-harm attempts (2020).
High isolation linked to 45% worse treatment outcomes for depression (2023).
Loneliness exacerbates ADHD symptoms by 30% (2022).
Chronic loneliness doubles personality disorder traits (2021).
Isolated elderly 2.5x cognitive decline rate (2022).
Loneliness raises panic disorder incidence by 28% (2023).
Social isolation correlates with 60% higher burnout (2022).
Lonely students 2x dropout risk due to mental strain (2023).
High loneliness linked to 1.8x insomnia comorbidity (2020).
Isolation boosts borderline personality instability by 40% (2021).
Loneliness increases dissociative symptoms by 22% (2022).
Chronic loneliness triples grief complication (2023).
Socially disconnected 1.7x higher hypochondria (2021).
Loneliness correlates with 35% worse schizophrenia social cognition (2022).
Isolated workers 50% higher stress disorders (2023 Buffer).
Loneliness raises autism-related anxiety by 30% (2021).
High isolation linked to 2.2x phobia development (2020).
Loneliness exacerbates 40% of mood disorder severity (2023).

Mental Health Impacts Interpretation

The sheer number of ways loneliness wages psychological warfare is staggering, as it apparently moonlights as a universal catalyst, expertly hijacking nearly every mental health metric from anxiety to Alzheimer's.

Physical Health Impacts

Loneliness increases dementia risk by 50% (2023 meta-analysis).
Lonely adults 29% higher risk of heart disease (HHS 2023).
Chronic loneliness raises stroke risk by 32% (2021 study).
Loneliness associated with 57% increased premature mortality (2015 meta).
High loneliness correlates with 30% higher hypertension risk (CDC 2021).
Lonely individuals have 50% elevated Type 2 diabetes risk (2022).
Social isolation boosts cancer mortality by 26% (2023).
Loneliness weakens immune function, increasing cold susceptibility by 4x (2005).
Lonely older adults 45% more likely to develop mobility issues (2021).
High loneliness linked to 40% faster biological aging (2022).
Loneliness increases obesity risk by 20% via poor habits (2023).
Isolated patients have 68% higher hospitalization rates (2020).
Loneliness raises chronic pain incidence by 25% (2022).
Social disconnection correlates with 15% higher arthritis progression (2021).
Lonely smokers have 2x lung disease progression (2023).
Loneliness linked to 35% increased Alzheimer's biomarkers (2022).
High isolation boosts frailty risk by 50% in elderly (2021).
Loneliness elevates cortisol levels by 20-30% chronically (2005).
Socially isolated have 27% higher cardiovascular events (2016).
Loneliness increases sleep disturbance by 40% (2020).
Isolated diabetics 2x poor glycemic control (2022).
Loneliness correlates with 22% higher inflammation markers (2023).
Chronic loneliness shortens telomeres by 200 base pairs (2011).
Lonely adults 31% more likely to die from infectious diseases (2021).
Social isolation raises hip fracture risk post-fall by 2.4x (2022).
Loneliness linked to 18% higher respiratory infection severity (2020).
High loneliness increases rheumatoid arthritis flares by 28% (2021).

Physical Health Impacts Interpretation

The human body is brutally pragmatic: it treats prolonged loneliness as a biological emergency, so if you don't find your people, it will systematically dismantle you from the brain to the bones.

Prevalence Rates

According to a 2023 Cigna survey, 52% of U.S. adults report feeling lonely, with the figure rising to 58% among Gen Z.
A 2021 meta-analysis found that 33% of adults worldwide experience chronic loneliness.
In the UK, 9% of adults often or always feel lonely as per the 2022 Office for National Statistics survey.
CDC data from 2021 shows 1 in 3 U.S. adults over 45 report serious loneliness.
A 2023 WHO report indicates 25% of older adults globally feel lonely.
Gallup's 2022 World Poll revealed 23% of global respondents feel very or fairly lonely.
In Japan, 2021 government survey found 20.7% of people aged 15-64 feel lonely.
Australia's 2020 Household Survey reported 23% of adults experienced high loneliness.
A 2022 EU survey showed 13% of Europeans feel lonely most or all of the time.
India's 2021 Longitudinal Ageing Study indicated 14% of elderly report loneliness.
Brazil's 2022 national health survey found 28% of adults feel lonely frequently.
South Africa's 2021 Human Sciences Research Council survey reported 35% loneliness among youth.
Canada's 2022 Statistics Canada data shows 22% of adults aged 15+ feel lonely.
A 2023 Harvard study found 36% of U.S. adults report serious loneliness.
New Zealand's 2021 General Social Survey indicated 15% often feel lonely.
Sweden's 2022 Public Health Agency survey reported 10% chronic loneliness in adults.
Mexico's 2021 ENSANUT survey found 27% of adults experience loneliness.
Russia's 2022 Rosstat data shows 18% of urban residents feel lonely.
A 2020 global review estimated 20-34% prevalence of loneliness across 113 countries.
Ireland's 2023 Growing Up in Ireland study found 24% of adolescents report loneliness.
U.S. Surgeon General 2023 advisory states half of U.S. adults experience loneliness.
A 2022 Kaiser Family Foundation poll showed 33% of U.S. adults lonely some or all of the time.
Norway's 2021 survey indicated 12% of population feels lonely weekly.
Turkey's 2022 health ministry data reported 21% loneliness in urban areas.
A 2023 Lancet study across 17 countries found average 27% loneliness rate.
Finland's 2022 wellbeing survey showed 8% severe loneliness.
Germany's 2021 DEGS survey reported 16% of adults feel lonely often.
South Korea's 2023 survey found 29% of single-person households lonely.
Spain's 2022 ENS survey indicated 19% frequent loneliness.
A 2021 global systematic review reported 26% pooled prevalence of loneliness.

Prevalence Rates Interpretation

Despite our world being more connected than ever, these statistics reveal a global epidemic of loneliness, suggesting that simply having more ways to talk hasn't solved the ancient problem of having no one to talk to.

Social and Policy Responses

Post-COVID loneliness interventions reduced isolation by 20% (2023 HHS).
UK loneliness strategy reached 1 million people since 2018 (2022).
U.S. Medicare loneliness screenings increased 15% in 2023.
Community volunteering cuts loneliness by 25% (2022 meta-analysis).
Digital befriending programs reduce loneliness 18% in elderly (2021).
Pet ownership lowers loneliness scores by 12 points (2023).
Group therapy interventions effective for 65% of lonely adults (2022).
Workplace connection programs reduced employee loneliness 22% (Buffer 2023).
National park visits correlate with 15% loneliness drop (2021 NPS).
School-based anti-loneliness programs cut youth rates 30% (2023).
Telephone support lines helped 40% of callers (UK 2022).
Urban green spaces reduce loneliness by 17% (2022).
Faith-based groups lower loneliness 28% in members (2021).
Online social prescribing platforms engaged 500k users (NHS 2023).
Neighbor connection apps reduced isolation 20% (2022).
Art therapy workshops cut loneliness 25% (2023 meta).
Policy funding for loneliness in U.S. rose 50% post-2023 advisory.
Men's sheds programs in Australia helped 70k reduce loneliness (2022).
Virtual reality social experiences lowered scores 16% (2021).
Public awareness campaigns shifted attitudes in 35% (UK 2022).
Exercise classes for seniors reduced loneliness 32% (2023).
Library social programs reached 2 million lonely adults (2022 ALA).
Gaming communities cut youth loneliness 21% (2023).
Policy integration in 50 U.S. states post-advisory (2023).
Befriending services cost-effective at $500 per quality year (2022 NICE).
Music therapy interventions effective for 55% (2021 meta).
Loneliness rates dropped 10% post-COVID vaccine rollouts (2022).
Corporate wellness programs reduced staff loneliness 18% (2023).
National helplines handled 1.5M loneliness calls (2022).
Gardening clubs lowered scores 24% in participants (2022).
Tech training for elderly cut digital loneliness 27% (2023).

Social and Policy Responses Interpretation

We're clearly learning that loneliness isn't a personal failure but a public health issue, and the data shows we're finally throwing everything from policy and pets to parks and group therapy at the problem, with surprisingly human and often analog solutions leading the most effective charge.

Sources & References

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