Loneliness: the silent public health challenge in the Nordics

In recent years, a silent threat has emerged as one of the new faces of public health. Involuntary loneliness is increasingly linked to both mental and physical health, with a growing body of research showing its negative impact on health and well‑being.

In 2023, the World Health Organization declared loneliness a pressing global health threat. While loneliness is often associated with older age, research shows it affects people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. As the leading Nordic insurance company, If is in a unique position to identify emerging health trends at an early stage. Through our annual Nordic Health Survey, we want to contribute to a clearer understanding of loneliness, how widespread it is, how it affects people in the Nordics, and why it deserves attention.

Loneliness, a shared experience

Involuntary loneliness is not a marginal issue in the Nordic region. More than half of people in the Nordics say they have felt lonely or socially excluded at some point during the past 12 months.

The levels vary between countries. Finland stands out, with 64% saying they have experienced loneliness or social exclusion, while Denmark is at the lower end, with 43%. When looking at frequency, 8% across the Nordics report feeling lonely on a regular basis, and nearly one in five (18%) say they experience loneliness now and then.

- Our results align with global findings on loneliness. Even though the Nordic countries consistently rank among the happiest in the world, that does not mean we are immune to health challenges. In a region that is highly digitalized, it may be tempting to assume loneliness is less common, but the relationship between digital life and loneliness is complex, says Kristina Ström Olsson, Nordic Health Strategist at If.

Young adults carry a growing burden

Across Sweden, Finland, Norway and Denmark, the pattern is clear: young adults report higher levels of loneliness than older age groups.

Among people aged 18–29, loneliness on a regular basis is reported by:

  • 15% in Finland
  • 14% in Norway
  • 13% in Sweden
  • 9% in Denmark

- The higher levels of loneliness among young adults should be seen as a warning sign and may to some part explain many young people struggling with their mental health. Social connections are formed differently today, and many young people describe having networks, but not necessarily relationships that provide support when it’s needed. Addressing this societal challenge is an important step preventing it by reducing stigma and promoting togetherness and inclusion, says Kristina Ström Olsson.

Across the Nordics, loneliness is highest among young women in Norway. Gender differences are relatively small overall, with women reporting slightly higher levels of loneliness than men. However, when age and gender are combined, the differences become more pronounced. Young women (18–29) stand out as the group most likely to report having experienced loneliness.

The great disconnect: why people feel lonely

- What stands out in the data is that loneliness is often not about being physically alone but about lacking a sense of belonging. Many respondents describe situations where social structures exist, at work, in studies, or among peers, yet they still feel excluded. This suggests loneliness is increasingly shaped by how our social environments are organized, and how we treat each other, not just by individual relationships, says Kristina Ström Olsson.

Loneliness is not driven by a single cause. To better understand what lies behind the numbers, respondents were asked an open‑ended question: What makes you feel lonely or socially excluded? With more than 1,200 responses, the answers reveal both shared patterns and individual differences.

A recurring theme is an overall lack of close relationships, particularly with friends or family. However, many respondents describe loneliness that is not about being alone, but about being left out.

“Many respondents describe loneliness that is not about being alone, but about being left out", says Kristina

People talk about feeling excluded from social activities at work, not being invited by colleagues, or gradually drifting away from friends. In these cases, loneliness is experienced as involuntary, a sense of standing outside social life despite wanting to be part of it.

“On social media I often see how other people are seen with their friends, that makes me feel lonely” Female, 18-29, Denmark

Another emerging pattern is lack of energy. Several respondents describe not having enough mental or physical energy to maintain relationships, which in turn deepens feelings of loneliness.

- Relationships are often a source of energy in everyday life. When people feel they lack the energy to maintain them, it can create a downward spiral, where loneliness reduces energy, and low energy makes it harder to sustain social connections, says Kristina Ström Olsson.

When large groups report feeling disconnected, it points to broader patterns that affect long‑term well‑being, participation and resilience in society.

Involuntary loneliness and health: a clear negative impact

Loneliness does not stop at emotional discomfort. Nearly seven out of ten people in the Nordics say that loneliness has a negative impact on their health.

The most reported effects include: feeling insufficient in daily life, anxiety and poor sleep.

There are some differences between countries. Danes more often report feeling insufficient, Swedes and Finns more frequently associate loneliness with anxiety, while Norwegians more often link loneliness to physical pain.

The way forward

When asked what could improve well‑being and reduce loneliness, people across the Nordics point to similar factors. More than one third say that regular physical activity could make a positive difference. Just as many highlight better sleep and being part of a social community or group. Many also say that having plans that give me meaning would make a positive difference.

In Finland, more respondents than in the other Nordic countries believe that spending more time in nature could help reduce loneliness. Age differences are also clear. Younger adults are more likely to believe that having someone regularly check in on them would help, while older respondents more often say that helping others would reduce their own feelings of loneliness.

Why this matters

Loneliness matters because it rarely exists on its own. It often overlaps with other challenges such as stress, sleep problems, anxiety and a reduced sense of meaning in everyday life. Over time, these experiences can reinforce one another, increasing vulnerability and making it harder to cope with ordinary demands.

- Seen in this light, loneliness becomes more than a personal feeling, it acts as a signal of how well social structures support people through different phases of life. When large groups report feeling disconnected, it points to broader patterns that affect long‑term well‑being, participation and resilience in society, says Kristina Ström Olsson.

Recognizing loneliness early, and understanding what drives it, is therefore an important step in strengthening health and well‑being.

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