References
Exploring loneliness: conceptualisation and impact in older adults
Abstract
Loneliness is a pervasive and distressing emotional experience that profoundly impacts the lives of older adults. This article explores the conceptualisation of loneliness, emphasising its subjective nature and the perceived discrepancy between desired and actual social relationships. Drawing from psychological theories, loneliness is understood as an emotional response to perceived social isolation, encompassing feelings of emptiness, sadness and longing for companionship. In older adults, loneliness is exacerbated by life transitions, such as retirement and bereavement, as well as physical health limitations. The impact of loneliness on older adults' health and wellbeing is significant, with associations documented between chronic loneliness and poor mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety and cognitive decline. Moreover, loneliness is linked to adverse physical health outcomes, such as cardiovascular disease and mortality, as well as functional decline and decreased quality of life. Recognising the multifaceted impacts of loneliness in older adults underscores the importance of developing interventions and support systems that address both the quantity and quality of social connections, promoting healthy ageing and meaningful engagement in later life.
Loneliness is a profound and widespread human experience that transcends age, culture and socioeconomic status. However, its impact is particularly significant among older adults, who may face unique challenges that contribute to feelings of isolation and disconnection (Reis da Silva, 2023a; 2024a).
Although the term loneliness is often used interchangeably with other related terms, it has a distinct and specific meaning. Aloneness is one such concept; it refers to an undesirable and involuntary state in which a person perceives and experiences being alone (Tzouvara et al, 2015). Being alone is a more deliberate and manageable situation, when a person decides to be by themselves rather than socialise. While there is no clear connection between the two ideas, it is commonly accepted that being alone increases a person's likelihood of feeling lonely (Tzouvara et al, 2015). Another idea that is sometimes confused with loneliness is social isolation. Since it reflects a person's diminished social network, it may be seen as an intermediate concept between loneliness and aloneness. Depending on how one perceives their own social relationship patterns, an individual may choose to be lonely or socially isolated. People choose to draw a line between loneliness and social isolation when they experience unwanted social isolation, which can happen for a variety of reasons (Reis da Silva, 2025a). In contrast to loneliness, solitude evokes a more favourable feeling. It implies that complete independence and a peaceful experience may be had in isolation and is unrelated to the negative emotional assessment of a situation. Consequently, loneliness is associated with a negative emotional assessment of one's status, whereas solitude is associated with a good assessment (Tzouvara et al, 2015).
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