Loneliness and social isolation can hurt the health and well-being of older adults.
- Loneliness happens when older adults feel sad because they have few friends, feel left out, or do not have as much connection with others as they want. An older adult may feel like they have little control over their loneliness.
- Social isolation happens when a person has very few or no social relationships, roles, or group connections. Some older adults are unhappy when they are socially isolated, but others may not necessarily experience loneliness as a consequence.
Loneliness and social isolation are a serious risk to the physical and mental health of older adults. Research shows that loneliness is linked to a higher risk of stroke and heart disease. Social isolation has been linked to higher rates of death, becoming home-bound, and risk of brain health problems, like cognitive impairment.
Reducing Loneliness and Social Isolation
A health care provider can look at an older adult’s life situation and ask about feelings of loneliness or isolation using tools designed for this purpose. The provider can then work with the older adult to find ways to help. Some examples include:
- A person who has lost a loved one could join a grief counseling group.
- Someone with hearing loss could get a hearing aid to help them talk with others more easily.
- A person who feels cut off from their community could volunteer or connect with local resources, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community centers.
Last Reviewed and Updated: October 2026
By: AGS/HiAF Public Education Committee, HealthinAging.org Content Reviewers