Loneliness in Older Adults

Loneliness is defined as a subjective negative feeling related to insufficient wider social networks or the absence of a desired close companion. Loneliness in older populations is associated with poorer health, lower quality of life, depression, anxiety, and suicide risk. Older adults are vulnerable to loneliness because ageing can reduce social contact through retirement, widowhood, living alone, and residential care transitions. Physical, cognitive, and sensory impairments can further limit social participation among older adults.