Understanding the Global Loneliness Epidemic: A Conversation with Dr Shereen Hussein

Loneliness Epidemic and Social Connection: Insights from Dr Shereen Hussein on Unlocked Podcast

Loneliness is often treated as a private feeling, something people deal with quietly and alone. Yet as my conversation with Professor Shereen Hussein made clear, loneliness is not just personal. It is a rapidly growing global public-health issue, one that affects our physical and mental wellbeing across every stage of life.

Dr Hussein is a Professor of Health and Social Care Policy and Research at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. She also serves on the Technical Advisory Group of the WHO Commission on Social Connection, a global initiative bringing together experts from around the world to understand the impact of loneliness and to advise governments on what needs to change.

Speaking with her on the Unlocked Podcast, I was struck not only by the depth of research in this field but also by how human the issue really is. Loneliness is not simply about the number of people around us. It is about belonging, identity and the quality of our relationships.

Watch the Podcast Here.

What Loneliness Really Means

Dr Hussein explained that loneliness and social isolation are two different things. Social isolation refers to having few interactions. Loneliness is the subjective feeling of disconnection, even if you see people every day.

Someone can appear surrounded, active or busy but still feel entirely alone. What matters is the quality of connection. Can we be honest with others. Do we feel welcomed. Do we have someone we trust.

The WHO findings show that one in six people worldwide self-identify as lonely. This is significant not just emotionally but medically. Loneliness coexists with a range of negative health outcomes including depression, anxiety and reduced physical health. In other words, social connection is not a luxury. It is a determinant of health.

Why Some Groups Are More Affected

Transitions are a major trigger for loneliness. Dr Hussein’s research shows that:

• Young adults moving from school to work face one of the highest risks.
• Older adults often struggle after retirement when daily social structures fall away.
• Migrants are also vulnerable because moving countries disrupts networks, community identity and belonging.

She also emphasised that loneliness does not affect everyone equally. Barriers based on identity, discrimination, mobility, income and disability can make social connection much harder. Even when activities exist, not everyone feels welcome.

In societies where community life is strong, people often have more natural access to connection. But in highly individualised environments, people can be physically close yet socially distant.

Technology Helps and Hurts

Many assume that social media has made us more connected. Dr Hussein explained how the opposite is often true. Technology creates communication but not always connection. Seeing curated fragments of others’ lives can intensify comparison and a sense of not measuring up.

At the same time, technology can be useful when used intentionally. During the pandemic it helped people stay in touch, and in countries like Italy it has been used to pair older adults with school children for mutual learning and support.

The key message is that digital tools can complement relationships but cannot replace them. We still need real communities and real human contact.

What Communities and Governments Can Do

Dr Hussein described a range of initiatives from different countries that help strengthen connection:

• Community centres that host intergenerational activities
• Urban design that brings playgrounds, seating areas and adult spaces together
• Accessible housing that supports older adults without isolating them
• Volunteering schemes where people exchange time and support
• Local groups built around crafts, gardening, exercise or music
• National loneliness strategies in countries like Japan, Denmark and the UK

Successful approaches recognise that people need many entry points into connection, not a single pathway. It is normal to have different communities for different parts of life.

What Individuals Can Do

Listeners often ask how to cope with loneliness in the moment. Dr Hussein offered practical and compassionate advice:

• Start small. Join one activity that matches something you enjoy.
• Keep expectations realistic. Connection takes time and may not happen immediately.
• Try again, even if the first attempt feels discouraging.
• Explore local spaces such as libraries, parks, walking routes and community clubs.
• Use social media as a first step but bring interactions into real life when possible.
• Consider volunteering, especially during holidays or busy community periods.

As she put it, shutting down socially may feel easier but has serious long-term consequences. Even a brief positive interaction can begin to rebuild confidence.

Final Reflections

This conversation left me reflecting on how deeply we all need one another. Connection is not about perfection or finding someone who matches every aspect of who we are. It is about building small, meaningful ties that collectively support our wellbeing.

Loneliness is a global issue but solutions start locally with empathy, listening and making space for others. Whether through policy, community action or personal outreach, we all have a role in creating environments where people feel they belong.

Thank you to Professor Shereen Hussein for sharing her insight and expertise on this episode of Unlocked. You can learn more about the WHO’s work on social connection through the link below.

WHO Commission on Social Connection Report.