Loneliness and Aging: A Beginner-Friendly Start
Loneliness and Aging: the few things that matter most, and the mistakes that catch people out early.
The gap between the social connection someone has and the connection they want, in later life.
Key takeaways
- Linked to: higher risk of heart disease, stroke, depression and dementia
- Hearing loss: a major contributor to social withdrawal
- Most useful single change: Ask your doctor or local Area Agency on Aging about programs near you.
- Commonest mistake: Assuming it means something is wrong with you.
- See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to speak to a doctor" below apply to you.
Why bother
Loneliness and social isolation are linked to worse heart health, depression and cognitive decline.
Start here
These two first. Everything else is easier once they are habit.
- Ask your doctor or local Area Agency on Aging about programs near you
- Treat hearing loss, which is a common hidden cause
Then add these
Once the basics are in place, add these.
- Choose regular, structured contact over occasional big events
- Volunteer, which brings contact with a purpose
The numbers, in one place
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Linked to | higher risk of heart disease, stroke, depression and dementia |
| Hearing loss | a major contributor to social withdrawal |
| Local help | senior centers and your local Area Agency on Aging |
| 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | call or text 988, any time |
Common early mistakes
- Assuming it means something is wrong with you
- Withdrawing further as activities become harder
- Waiting to feel like socializing before arranging anything
Related topics
- The Evidence on Loneliness, Without the Hype (Mental Health)
- Dementia Risk Reduction: What Published Guidance Supports (Brain Health)
- Hearing Loss: What the Evidence Actually Says (Hearing Health)
- Teen Mental Health and 988: What Published Guidance Supports (Teen Health)
Where to go next
- Loneliness and Aging: Sorting the Evidence From the Noise
- Making Sense of Loneliness and Aging
- Loneliness and Aging — the reference entry
- Healthy Aging: The Complete Guide
- Continence: Sorting the Evidence From the Noise
- Staying Independent: What the Evidence Actually Says
When to speak to a doctor
See your doctor if loneliness comes with low mood lasting more than two weeks, loss of interest in things you enjoy, or changes in sleep or appetite. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at any hour, and call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
Where this comes from
- National Institute on Aging — Loneliness and Social Isolation: Tips for Staying Connected
- HHS — Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory
How this page was put together
Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarized or generalized beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.
Medical disclaimer
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to your doctor, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 911.
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