The World Health Organisation is making loneliness a global health priority, this week launching a new Commission on Social Connection.
Over the next three years, the Commission will focus on ways to address the 'pressing health threat' of a global epidemic of loneliness, reviewing the latest science and designing strategies to help people deepen their social connections.
The WHO says social isolation and loneliness are important, yet neglected, social determinants of the health of older people, but loneliness can impact all ages.
WHO unit head for demographic change and healthy ageing Alana Officer spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
