How common loneliness is and what factors relate to it in older adults living in rural Anhui, China

78.1% of older people in rural Anhui experience moderate to severe loneliness.

• Loneliness levels varied significantly based on age, marital status, income, family size, and education level.
• Higher social support and better family functioning are associated with lower levels of loneliness.
• Multiple regression analyses suggest that increased social support and improved family function may protect against loneliness.
• The findings highlight the importance of addressing social and familial factors to mitigate loneliness in this population.

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