Loneliness and social isolation among older adults pose significant public health risks in the United States, affecting a large portion of the population and increasing the likelihood of dementia and other serious health conditions.
According to a report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), more than one-third of adults over 45 feel lonely, while nearly a quarter of those over 65 experience social isolation.
Older adults are particularly vulnerable due to factors like living alone, the loss of loved ones, chronic illness, and hearing impairment, which can increase their risk of isolation and loneliness.
Loneliness is an emotional state where a person feels alone, even if they have social interactions, whereas social isolation refers to a physical lack of social connections.
While isolation can lead to loneliness for some, others may feel lonely despite being socially engaged.
The two are related but distinct experiences, affecting individuals differently based on their circumstances and personal perceptions.
Research shows that social isolation significantly increases the risk of dementia and other serious health conditions, with studies indicating a nearly 50% higher likelihood of developing these issues among those who lack social connections.
The Impact of Loneliness on Health
While social isolation and loneliness can be challenging to quantify, substantial evidence suggests that many adults aged 50 and older experience these issues in ways that endanger their health.
Research has shown that:
- Social isolation significantly raises the risk of premature death from all causes, comparable to the dangers of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.
- Individuals experiencing social isolation face a nearly 50% higher risk of developing dementia.
- Poor social connections, including isolation or loneliness, increase the risk of heart disease by 29% and stroke by 32%.
- Loneliness is linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.
- Among heart failure patients, loneliness is associated with a nearly fourfold increase in mortality, a 68% higher risk of hospitalization, and a 57% greater likelihood of emergency department visits.
Immigrants and LGBTQ+ Individuals Face Greater Risk
The report emphasizes the heightened risk of loneliness among vulnerable older adults, including immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, minorities, and victims of elder abuse.
However, it also highlights the limited research available on these populations, underscoring the need for further studies to better understand their risks, the impact of loneliness, and effective interventions.
Research indicates that immigrants and LGBTQ+ individuals experience loneliness more frequently than other groups.
For example, Latino immigrants tend to have fewer social connections and lower levels of integration compared to U.S.-born Latinos.
First-generation immigrants often face additional stressors, including language barriers, cultural differences, and shallow or unfamiliar social networks.
Similarly, lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals are more likely to experience loneliness due to stigma, discrimination, and limited access to supportive care.
Ways to Cope with Loneliness
If you’re experiencing loneliness, your doctor can assess your risk and connect you to community resources for support. Several national organizations also offer valuable resources:
- AARP: Provides information to improve the quality of life for seniors, including access to Community Connection Tools.
- Area Agencies on Aging (AAA): A network of over 620 organizations offering programs like nutrition, meal services, caregiver support, and classes such as Tai Chi and diabetes management.
- Eldercare Locator: A free service to help find local resources for seniors, including financial support, caregiving services, and transportation.
- National Council on Aging: Partners with nonprofits, governments, and businesses to offer community programs that assist with healthy aging and financial security, including the Aging Mastery Program® to promote social connectedness and healthy habits.
- National Institute on Aging (NIA): Offers materials on social isolation and loneliness for older adults, caregivers, and healthcare providers, including publications, flyers, and social media resources.
Interventions within the Healthcare System Are Crucial
Humans are inherently social, and strong social connections contribute to longer, healthier lives.
Healthcare systems play a vital role, yet remain underutilized, in identifying loneliness and preventing the medical conditions linked to it.
Almost all adults aged 50 and older engage with the healthcare system in some capacity.
For individuals lacking social connections, a doctor’s appointment or a visit from a home health nurse may be one of their rare in-person interactions.
This provides a unique opportunity for healthcare providers to identify individuals at risk for loneliness or social isolation.
NASEM suggests that clinicians regularly assess patients who may be at risk for loneliness or social isolation and refer them to community resources for support.
In clinical settings, NASEM recommends utilizing tools such as the Berkman-Syme Social Network Index to measure social isolation and the three-item UCLA Loneliness Scale to assess loneliness.
Ultimately, patients must make their own choices, as some individuals may prefer solitude.
It’s important to recognize that social isolation and loneliness are distinct aspects of social relationships and are not always closely related. However, both can pose significant risks to health.