Loneliness Among Older Adults Returns To Pre Pandemic Levels, But Remains High

More than 33% of people aged between 50 to 80 feel lonely.

Loneliness and isolation among this group has mostly returned to pre pandemic levels, but remains high. 

“Loneliness and isolation are common among older adults. About one third of people age 50 to 80 feel lonely, and nearly as many feel isolated. And some older adults, especially those dealing with major physical health or mental health issues, report much higher rates of loneliness and isolation than others,” Dr Preeti Malani, the study’s lead author and a professor of internal medicine at the U-M Medical School told Theravive.

The findings come from a new study taken from six years worth of data from the National Poll on Healthy Aging.

As part of the poll, participants were asked how often they felt a lack of companionship or felt isolated from others.

The data shows that in 2024, 33% of older adults experienced loneliness often or some of the time in the past year.

29% said they felt isolated often or some of the time in 2024. This was slightly higher than the 27% who felt this way in 2018.

The data shows that during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, 56% of older adults said they felt isolated. That has declined each year since then.

The researchers found that the groups of older adults who experienced the highest levels of loneliness in 2024 were the 75% who also said their mental health was fair or poor. The 53% who said their physical health was fair or poor also experienced loneliness, whilst the 52% who said they were not working or received a disability income but were not retirees also had the highest rates of loneliness.

The same groups also experienced the highest rates of social isolation in 2024.

Those rates of isolation and loneliness are double or more than that experienced among older adults who report they were working or retired, or those who report their physical or mental health were excellent, very good or good.

Overall, those aged between 50 to 64 were more likely than people aged 65 to 80 to report that they felt isolated and lonely.

Rates of loneliness and isolation have not dropped back to pre-pandemic levels for those aged 50 to 64.  

The data also shows that people with a household income below $60 000 were more likely to report they often or sometimes felt lonely or isolated, as did those who lived alone.

In 2024 however, those who lived alone had lower rates of isolation and loneliness than those who lived with others.

The data adds to the growing body of evidence that demonstrates the negative impact of loneliness on both physical and mental health.

“Loneliness and social isolation are common among older adults—this was the case before the pandemic and it is the case now. Loneliness and social isolation can negatively affect our health. Some individuals appear to have higher risk—especially those with fair or poor physical and mental health. We can all be part of the solution,” Malani said.

“Chronic loneliness (persistent feelings of isolation and/or a lack of companionship) can adversely affect mental, cognitive, and physical health, general well-being, and even longevity. One of the reasons this is an important topic of study is that loneliness and social isolation can be addressed—often in low-cost ways that benefit everyone.”

She argues that physician should be aware that loneliness and isolation can be an important factor in the lives of their patients.

“Clinicians should screen older adults for loneliness and social isolation the same way they might ask about diet and exercise—and offer resources to help address these concerns. Family members and community members should think about these issues—be intentional about calling, visiting, and including older adults in your day to day lives,” she said.

“We can all pick up the phone or walk across the street. Policy makers should also think about these issues as major population health concerns—offering transportation or community centers may help many people and families. Just like the reasons for loneliness and social isolation vary, so do the solutions. Different people can benefit from different resources.” 

Nous vous invitons…

Nous vous invitons à prendre rendez-vous avec un de nos psychologues, psychothérapeutes et psychopraticiens afin de faire un premier pas vers le changement que vous désirez. Si vous désirez obtenir de plus amples informations ou si vous avez des questions, n’hésitez pas à nous téléphoner. Vous pouvez prendre un rendez-vous par téléphone ou en envoyant un email au cabinet des Psychologues de Paris 9 (à l’attention du psychologue ou psychothérapeute de votre choix).