Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Loneliness epidemic: Over half of Europeans ‘often or occasionally’ feel lonely

Loneliness epidemic: Over half of Europeans ‘often or occasionally’ feel lonely

Younger Europeans are more prone to feelings of loneliness, largely due to their extensive screen time

Despite being more connected than ever, the majority of Europeans are experiencing feelings of loneliness. The STADA Health Report 2024, released on Monday, revealed that over half (52 per cent) of Europeans “always, often or occasionally” feel lonely.

Although the younger generation reports the highest levels of overall happiness, they are the ones most affected by this current loneliness epidemic.


Nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of Europeans aged 18 to 35 reported feeling lonely, compared to 41 percent of those aged 55 and older – according to the report, based on a survey of over 46,000 respondents aged 18 to 99 across 32 countries.

Loneliness epidemic

Extensive screen time is contributing to increased loneliness among younger people. Europeans under the age of 34 are much more likely to spend long hours on their devices (41 per cent) than those aged 35–54 (22 per cent) and those over 55 (13 per cent).

The survey found that people who spend a "long" or "fair" amount of time on social media were significantly more prone to feelings of loneliness compared to those who restrict their screen time. Moreover, extensive screen time was also associated with more intense feelings of loneliness.

However, many young Europeans remain unaware of this correlation, as only 20 per cent of younger respondents attributed their feelings of loneliness to spending extensive time on social media or playing computer games. They ranked work as the primary cause of loneliness, followed by remote working, childcare duties, loss of loved ones, or relocating for career reasons.

Throughout Europe, work, lack of free time (23 per cent), loss of partners, family members, or friends (17 per cent), and poor health or mobility issues (14 per cent) were commonly cited as primary causes of loneliness. Women (57 per cent) reported feeling significantly lonelier than men (46 per cent) and were twice as likely to attribute childcare duties (16 per cent) as a reason for feeling lonely compared to their male counterparts (8 per cent).

Loneliness epidemic 2

Loneliness and its consequences

The report warned that loneliness can have serious long-term implications. “Aside from the more obvious consequences like depression and anxiety, it also increases the risk of strokes, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, addiction and dementia,” it stated.

In 2023, the WHO declared loneliness a “global public health concern”, comparing its potential health impacts to heavy smoking and emphasizing that “social isolation knows no age or boundaries”.

To address the loneliness epidemic, nearly half of Europeans surveyed (46 per cent) advocated for improved work-life balance, while 43 percent expressed the need for better economic conditions.

Other proposed solutions include enhancing the availability and accessibility of leisure activities, reducing time spent online, more targeted support for the elderly population, and improved access to therapy.

Loneliness epidemic 3

Europe’s mental health remains stable

On a positive note, the STADA Health Report 2024 indicated that Europeans' mental health has remained relatively stable compared to previous years’ data.

Today, 65 per cent of Europeans rate their mental well-being as 'good' or 'very good.' Men (69 per cent) rate their mental health significantly more positively than women (61 per cent). Last year, sound mental health ratings stood at 67 per cent, an increase of 10 percentage points from 2022.

Two-thirds (67 per cent) of Europeans surveyed described themselves as "quite" or "very happy," while another 26 per cent identified as "neither happy nor unhappy." Only 7 per cent reported being (very) unhappy, which, on the surface, doesn't seem too concerning, as per the report.

However, contrary to expectations that Scandinavian countries might rank highest in happiness, as suggested by the World Happiness Report 2024, the STADA Health Report has revealed a different trend.

While people in Finland (65 per cent), Denmark (67 per cent), and Sweden (63 per cent) reported average or even slightly below-average individual happiness levels, they are surpassed by countries like Uzbekistan (87 per cent), the Netherlands (80 per cent), Ireland (77 per cent), France (74 per cent), and both the UK and Switzerland (73 per cent each).

A common trend seen across European countries is that, generally, happiness decreases with age. Among Europeans aged 18 to 34, 72 per cent describe themselves as "quite" or "very happy," compared to 67 per cent of middle-aged Europeans and 65 per cent of those over 55.

The link between physical and mental health

On average, 54 per cent of Europeans rate their physical health as "good" or "very good". The report highlighted a link between physical and mental health, with 70 per cent of Europeans who rate their mental health as good also reporting good physical health. However, this correlation drops to just 17 percent among those who rate their mental health as poor.

The STADA Health Report 2024 also highlighted an increasing level of dissatisfaction among Europeans regarding their national healthcare systems.

Only 56 per cent of respondents indicated satisfaction with their country's healthcare system, marking the lowest figure in five years. In 2020, this satisfaction rate stood at 74 per cent, and the number has been declining steadily since then.

 

More For You

RPS transition to Royal College

RPS transition to Royal College: What it means for pharmacy

RPS transition to Royal College: What it means for pharmacy - Professor Claire Anderson explains

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) is set to transition into a Royal College after securing majority support from its members in a recent ballot. However, concerns have been raised about the long-term implications of this shift.

With a voter turnout of 31.4%, 6,144 out of 19,594 eligible members participated in the vote on the Royal Charter changes. Of those, 71.1% supported the transition, well above the required two-thirds majority for a Special Resolution Vote.

Keep ReadingShow less
Community pharmacist consulting with a patient about independent prescribing.

Malcolm Harrison

Exclusive: National prescribing service 'critical' for community pharmacy, says Malcolm Harrison

A national prescribing service is “critical” for community pharmacy with all newly qualified pharmacists becoming independent prescribers from next year, according to Malcolm Harrison, chief executive of the Company Chemist Association (CCA).

“We are encouraging the NHS to work with community pharmacy to explore what that (prescribing service) could look like. There are pilots that are out there at the moment, and I know a number of pharmacies are engaged in those and exploring the different variations of what it could be,” Harrison told Pharmacy Business.

Keep ReadingShow less
Unlocking the potential of technology in pharmacy

Harry McQuillan, chairman, Numark

Technology in pharmacy goes beyond operational improvements

Community pharmacies are expected to take on greater responsibilities to ease pressure on other healthcare services and meet growing patient demands. However, despite their expanding role, they continue to lack adequate financial support.

“While funding negotiations continue, one thing remains clear, technology is key to ensuring pharmacy can thrive in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape,” said Harry McQuillan, chairman of Numark.

Keep ReadingShow less
Mental health challenges faced by pharmacy students

Danielle Hunt, chief executive of Pharmacist Support

Mental health matters just as much as academic success: Pharmacist Support urges students to ACTNow

Acknowledging the growing mental health challenges among young people, Pharmacist Support is encouraging pharmacy students to take immediate action to prioritise their mental health and wellbeing throughout their academic and professional journey.

To support wellbeing support to MPharm students, the charity is launching its 2025 Student ACTNow campaign on University Mental Health Day (Thursday, 13th March).

Keep ReadingShow less
Celebrating Waheedat Owodeyi’s inspiring journey

Waheedat Owodeyi, owner and superintendent pharmacist, Pharmacyexprezz

Empowering female pharmacists

Despite the high number of registered female pharmacy professionals, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles across the sector.

“That’s a shame because women bring a different and valuable perspective to leadership,” said Waheedat Owodeyi, owner and superintendent pharmacist, Pharmacyexprezz in Great Yarmouth.

Keep ReadingShow less