Loneliness in adulthood follows a U-shaped pattern, with higher levels in younger and older adulthood, and lower levels during middle adulthood. A new study conducted by Northwestern Medicine examined nine longitudinal studies from around the world to identify risk factors for heightened loneliness across the lifespan. Factors such as social isolation, sex, education, and physical impairment were found to be associated with higher levels of persistent loneliness.
The study found that individuals with higher persistent loneliness were more likely to be women, isolated, less educated, have lower income, and have more functional limitations. Other factors such as being divorced or widowed, being a smoker, and having poorer cognitive, physical, or mental health were also associated with higher levels of loneliness. The research underscores the need for targeted interventions to reduce social disparities and levels of loneliness, especially among older adults.
Loneliness has been related to poorer health outcomes, with the risk for premature death comparable to smoking daily. The U.S. Surgeon General has called for action to address America’s loneliness epidemic, highlighting the importance of addressing this issue. General practitioners could potentially assess levels of loneliness during regular wellness visits to help identify individuals who are most at risk and provide support.
The study replicated the U-shaped pattern of loneliness across nine datasets from various countries, highlighting the global nature of the loneliness epidemic. Factors contributing to becoming more or less lonely over time were examined, with women, individuals with more functional limitations, and lower socio-economic status being more likely to experience higher levels of persistent loneliness. The findings provide valuable insights for developing strategies to reduce loneliness and improve overall well-being.
Middle adulthood was found to be the least lonely time in the U-shaped pattern, possibly due to the many social interactions and responsibilities during this stage of life. Social interaction is complex, with individuals able to feel lonely despite having many social connections, or vice versa. Young adulthood was identified as a lonelier time, as individuals navigate important life transitions such as education, careers, friendships, and relationships.
As people age and develop through young adulthood into midlife, they tend to establish roots and solidify social networks. Married individuals tend to be less lonely, highlighting the importance of meaningful social contact in mitigating the risk of persistent loneliness. The study emphasizes the need for interventions and support systems to address loneliness across the lifespan, with the goal of improving overall health and well-being.
