Uncovering the impact of loneliness in ageing populations: a comprehensive scoping review

Apr 11, 2025BMC geriatrics

How Loneliness Affects Older Adults: A Detailed Overview

AI simplified

Abstract

A total of 45 studies indicate that 66.6% employed quantitative methods to assess and in older adults living in the community.

Loneliness and social isolation are prevalent among community-dwelling older adults.
Risk factors identified include health deterioration, widowhood, and loss of social networks.
Consequences associated with these issues include increased risks of cardiovascular disease, anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline.
The complexity of loneliness and isolation requires integrative approaches that address individual, relational, and contextual factors.
Further longitudinal and standardized research is necessary to understand the long-term impacts and effectiveness of interventions.

AI simplified

BACKGROUND: Europe's aging population increasingly faces and , with nearly 20% of older adults living alone. Social isolation refers to an objective lack of social contact, while loneliness is the subjective experience of unmet social needs. Both are prevalent among community-dwelling older adults, driven by life transitions, loss, and declining health. These issues severely impact mental and physical health, increasing risks of depression and suicidal ideation. This scoping review maps the literature, identifies knowledge gaps, and highlights key challenges regarding loneliness and social isolation in this population.

METHODS: A scoping review was conducted between March and September 2024, following the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews. The review adhered to Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage framework, which includes identifying research questions, searching for and selecting relevant studies, extracting data, and synthesizing results. The search was conducted in major scientific databases, including Embase, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO, along with grey literature sources, including doctoral theses and organizational reports.

RESULTS: A total of 45 studies were included, with 66.6% using quantitative methods, 11.1% using qualitative methods, and the remainder being systematic reviews or mixed-method analyses. The studies revealed a significant prevalence of loneliness and social isolation among community-dwelling older adults, with risk factors including health deterioration, widowhood, and loss of social networks. The consequences of loneliness and isolation span physical and mental health issues, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline.

CONCLUSIONS: Loneliness and social isolation among community-dwelling older adults are complex issues with profound implications for physical, mental, and social well-being. Addressing these challenges requires integrative approaches that consider individual, relational, and contextual factors. Further longitudinal and standardized research is needed to improve our understanding of the long-term impacts and effectiveness of interventions to mitigate these issues.

Key numbers

30–55%

Prevalence of

affects older adults in Central and Eastern Europe.

2×

Risk of Health Issues

is linked to increased health risks in older adults.

45 studies

Study Inclusion

Total studies included in the review.

Full Text

We can’t show the full text here under this license. Use the link below to read it at the source.

View full text (PDF) ↗View full text (HTML) ↗

Abstract

Key numbers

Full Text

what lands in your inbox each week: