Causes and Risks of Loneliness and Social Isolation
Loneliness and social isolation are a public health concern for older adults.
- About one-third of older adults feel lonely sometimes. About 1 in 10 feel lonely often or very deeply.
- About 20 percent of older adults are socially isolated because they have little contact with friends, family, or their community. Up to five percent of older adults are very isolated, with almost no contact with others.
Older adults can feel lonely even if they are married or have social connections. On the other hand, not everyone who lives alone is lonely.
Health Conditions
Some health conditions that are strongly linked to loneliness include:
- Trouble moving around, making meals, or using the toilet
- Pain, strokes, and long-term lung disease
- Dementia and cognitive impairment (problems with thinking, reasoning, and memory)
Major Life Changes
Major life changes can make it harder for older adults to stay connected with family and community. These changes can lead to loneliness or isolation. They include:
- Retiring or moving to a new place
- Getting sick or developing a new disability
- Losing a loved one
- Estrangement from adult children, grandchildren, or other family/friends
Environmental Factors
Some environmental factors can also lead to social isolation. They include:
- Trouble seeing or hearing
- No way to get transportation
- Living in a rural or remote area
LGBTQAI+
LGBTQAI+ older adults often do not have the same family and social support as other older adults. They are half as likely to have someone to call for help and 3 to 4 times less likely to have children. This can lead to higher rates of isolation, loneliness, and unmet needs for care.
Last Reviewed and Updated: October 2026
By: AGS/HiAF Public Education Committee, HealthinAging.org Content Reviewers