Evidence and Policy Report • 2025 • WHO Commission on Social Connection
Research Summary
The WHO Commission’s report presents social isolation and loneliness as important issues for health and wellbeing. It distinguishes the objective circumstances of limited social contact from the subjective experience of feeling lonely. The report argues for action across communities, services and public policy, rather than viewing the problem solely as an individual’s failure to socialise. This perspective is relevant to older adults whose opportunities for contact may change after retirement, bereavement or loss of mobility. The evidence includes associations between social connection and health, but such associations should not be converted into a precise claim that joining a group adds a fixed number of years to life. Different interventions and populations require separate evaluation. The report offers a broad framework for recognising the issue and considering practical responses.
Evidence and limitations: Evidence synthesis and policy guidance; interventions vary
Catalogue reference: KL-028. Source reviewed: 27 September 2026. This summary is independent of the publisher.