Startling new figures have revealed the scale of loneliness across the capital, with more than one in twenty adults in London saying they frequently feel isolated.
The Stark Reality of Social Isolation
Data from Sport England's Active Lives Adult Survey shows that 7.1% of London respondents aged 16 and over felt lonely "often or always" in the two years to November 2024. This unwelcome feeling, defined as a lack or loss of companionship, is slightly above the national average for England, which stands at 7%, up from 6.8% in the previous two-year period.
The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities includes this metric in its health profiles, stating that frequent loneliness is linked to early death. Its impact is considered comparable to major public health priorities like obesity and smoking. The rationale notes that lonely individuals face higher hospital readmission rates, longer stays, and employees suffering from isolation often see poorer performance.
A Serious Threat to Health and Wellbeing
Hayley Jarvis, head of physical activity at the mental health charity Mind, said the data echoes their own research in The Big Mental Health Report. "Feeling lonely can increase stress and is associated with a higher risk of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and sleep problems," she explained.
The charity emphasises that chronic loneliness – feeling lonely most or all of the time – can severely impact an individual's ability to function in society. "Having people to share the ups and downs of life with matters," a Mind spokesperson stated, highlighting the direct link between loneliness and poor health outcomes.
Building Connections Through Activity and Community
Jarvis pointed to physical activity as a powerful antidote. "Whether it's going for a walk with a friend, joining a running group or taking part in a class, moving together helps create social support and that sense of being valued and cared for," she said. These connections act as a vital buffer for mental health.
For those who struggle with in-person meetings, online support communities offer an alternative. Mind runs Side by Side, a safe, moderated online peer support community for people aged 18 and over with mental health problems to share their experiences.
The latest survey paints a concerning picture of social isolation in London, framing it not just as a personal struggle but as a pressing public health challenge requiring community-wide solutions.
