- 1 in 6 people worldwide feels lonely, according to the WHO Commission on Social Connection (2025).
- The WHO links loneliness to more than 871,000 deaths a year: around 100 every hour.
- The Harvard study that has followed its participants since 1938 concludes that the quality of our relationships is the strongest predictor of a happy, healthy life.
- In Mexico, 52.9% of singles are satisfied with their love life, compared with 37.4% of people who separated, divorced or were widowed.
For years we talked about diet, exercise and sleep as the pillars of health. Science is now adding a fourth pillar with the same force: the quality of our relationships.
The WHO declares loneliness a global priority
In June 2025, the World Health Organization’s Commission on Social Connection published its flagship report. Its findings are striking:
The report also found that loneliness is more common in low-income countries (around 24%) than in high-income ones (around 11%), and that it particularly affects young people and older adults. The WHO links social disconnection to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, cognitive decline, depression and anxiety.
Harvard: 85 years studying what makes us happy
The Harvard Study of Adult Development began in 1938 with 724 young men and now includes more than 1,300 of their descendants. It’s one of the longest studies of adult life in the world. Its main conclusion, in the words of its director, psychiatrist Robert Waldinger:
Our relationships and how happy we are in our relationships has a powerful influence on our health.
Robert Waldinger · Harvard Study of Adult Development
People with warm, stable relationships tended to live longer, with better physical health and sharper memories. And one key nuance: it’s not about having a partner at any cost, but about the quality of the bond. A conflict-ridden relationship can be worse for your health than being alone.
And in Mexico? What INEGI’s data shows
- Being single doesn’t equal being unhappy: more than half of singles say they’re satisfied with their love life.
- Breakups hit hard: only 37.4% of people who separated, divorced or were widowed are satisfied. They’re the group that most needs support.
- We want more time with our people: 52.1% of people aged 12 and over wish they could spend more time with family or friends (ENUT 2019).
- Singles have a social life: in fact, they’re the group with the most people “very satisfied” with their social life (15.9%).
Single isn’t the same as alone
This distinction matters. You can be single and have a life full of meaningful bonds, and you can be in a relationship and feel deeply alone. What the science points to isn’t that we all need to get married, but that we need meaningful connections: friendships, community and, for those who want one, a partner who adds to their life.
5 habits to protect your social health
- Schedule your people the way you schedule the gym. What isn’t on the calendar doesn’t happen.
- Trade volume for depth: one honest conversation is worth more than ten quick messages.
- Join a community with shared interests: clubs, trips, classes or volunteering.
- After a breakup, give yourself time and support. Healing before choosing again keeps you from repeating patterns. Read after divorce.
- If you’re looking for a partner, look with intention, in spaces where others share it too.
Frequently asked questions
How many people feel lonely worldwide?
According to the WHO Commission on Social Connection (2025), 1 in 6 people worldwide feels lonely. It’s more common in low-income countries (around 24%) than in high-income ones (around 11%).
Does loneliness affect your health?
Yes. The WHO links loneliness to more than 871,000 deaths a year and to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, cognitive decline, depression and anxiety.
What does the Harvard study say about happiness?
The Harvard Study of Adult Development, which has followed its participants since 1938, concludes that the quality of our relationships is the strongest predictor of a happy, healthy life. People with warm, stable relationships lived longer and healthier lives.
Are single people less happy?
Not necessarily. In Mexico, 52.9% of singles say they’re satisfied with their love life, and they’re the group with the most people “very satisfied” with their social life. Those who struggle most are separated, divorced or widowed people: only 37.4% are satisfied.
- World Health Organization — Social connection linked to improved health and reduced risk of early death (June 30, 2025)
- Harvard Gazette — Robert Waldinger and the Harvard Study of Adult Development (2023)
- INEGI — Statistics for Valentine’s Day / Día del Amor y la Amistad (release 42/25, ENADID 2023, ENBIARE 2021, ENUT 2019)
TovLov TeamPersonalized matchmaking in Mexico. We research and write about relationships using official data.
