Due to changes in their health and social connections, older adults may be at a higher risk of experiencing loneliness and social isolation. However, some strategies can help manage these feelings.

Everyone needs a certain amount of social connection to thrive fully. However, as people age, they often find that they spend more time alone.

This can lead to loneliness and social isolation. Both loneliness and social isolation can affect overall health and well-being and have associations with higher risks of health concerns like depression and heart disease.

Finding ways to foster social connections and reduce loneliness and social isolation can help improve an older person’s quality of life.

Loneliness vs. social isolation

Loneliness and social isolation are related. However, they are separate issues.

Loneliness is a potentially distressing feeling of being separated or alone. Social isolation is having few people to interact with regularly and a lack of social contacts.

It is important to remember that loneliness and social isolation do not always go together.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 11.8% of older adults experience loneliness.

There are various reasons older adults may experience loneliness and social isolation, including:

  • vision and hearing issues
  • loss of mobility
  • living alone
  • financial difficulties
  • psychological or cognitive challenges
  • difficulty leaving home without help
  • major life changes, such as retirement or the loss of a loved one
  • lack of transportation
  • caring for a loved one
  • separation from friends and family
  • lack of social support

Research has shown that loneliness and social isolation can have significant effects on older adults, both emotionally and physically.

Loneliness can adversely affect many areas of a person’s life, including:

  • overall quality of life
  • cognition (thinking ability)
  • overall health
  • quality of sleep

Health issues

Loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher risks for:

Mental health issues

People experiencing loneliness and social isolation may also be at a higher risk of mental health issues, including:

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) notes that people who engage in meaningful and productive activities with others typically have a higher sense of purpose and even live longer.

Some ways to manage loneliness and stay connected with others include:

  • volunteering
  • restarting an old hobby
  • taking a class to learn something new
  • finding an activity you enjoy
  • scheduling time each day to connect with friends or family through social media, phone calls, text, or email
  • using technology like video calling or smart speakers to communicate with others
  • adopting a pet if you are able to care for one
  • finding ways to stay physically active with others, such as joining a walking group or exercising with a friend
  • finding a faith-based organization where you can engage with others through activities and events
  • checking with your local community center, public library, and social service agencies for resources and programs

Older adults may be at a higher risk of loneliness and social isolation for various reasons. These may include loss of mobility, hearing and vision issues, and major life changes.

Loneliness can have significant effects both physically and emotionally, including a higher risk of high blood pressure, obesity, and heart disease. It can also lead to anxiety and depression.

Finding ways to stay connected with people can help reduce loneliness and social isolation.