Loneliness in Seniors: Signs, Causes, & Solutions

Why Is Loneliness a Problem for Seniors?

The degree of loneliness in seniors depends on their age, gender identity, sexual orientation, and relationship status. One study reports that 40% of those over 65 experience loneliness, and rates continue to increase with age.² Major changes throughout life naturally lead to reduced quantity and quality of relationships.

Older women report feeling more lonely than men, partially due to their greater focus on personal relationships.³ Women are also more likely to be widows, given their greater life expectancy.⁴ However, single men are particularly at risk because of smaller social networks and a decreased likelihood of taking action to increase social connections, further exacerbating their loneliness.⁴

Furthermore, the senior community identifying as LGBTQ+ can also experience significant loneliness because of discrimination about sexual orientation, age, or identified gender. They may also face a lack of familial or societal acceptance and LGBTQ-friendly services.⁵

Signs of Senior Loneliness

A loss of close personal relationships and deteriorating physical health impacts individuals more as they age.^6,7 Women may be more likely to express loneliness, making the signs more visible and openly acknowledged. Men are usually less vocal about their discontent. Regardless, loved ones should closely monitor for changes in mood, verbal and non-verbal communication, self-care, and social behavior that could reflect an increase in loneliness.³

Signs of loneliness in elderly populations may include:⁸

• Sleep difficulties
• Loss of appetite
• Lower energy levels
• Less regimented personal hygiene
• Bringing up people from their past who are not currently involved in their lives
• Increase or decrease in communication and contact
• Increased alone time or lack of interest in social gatherings
• Statements about feeling lonely, isolated, or missing loved ones
• Increase in hot showers or warm baths to compensate for reduced physical contact
• Bringing up health issues and concerns
• Connecting with strangers via the internet or phone

What Causes Loneliness in Seniors?

Seniors may notice increased loneliness as their relationships, environment, and other life facets change. Multiple risk factors often go hand-in-hand with loneliness, suggesting socio-demographic and psychosocial factors play a role in development.

Loneliness in seniors may be caused by:^6,9,10

• Changing jobs
• Working from home
• Moving to a new city
• Ending a relationship
• Death of a spouse
• Living alone or feeling alone in a relationship
• Lack of meaningful social connections
• Having difficulty initiating and maintaining relationships
• Being divorced
• Depression after retirement
• Lack of transportation
• Limited financial resources to participate in social activities
• Loss of siblings and friends
• Being impacted by health conditions that affect their communication

Mental Health & Loneliness in Seniors

Loneliness often occurs in tandem with other mental health conditions, most notably depression. Social isolation in elderly populations can evoke low mood, reducing the desire and motivation to participate in social activities.

Depression can make a person have difficulty focusing on conversations, disrupt their sleep, reduce their energy, and impact self-esteem. Individuals may believe they are unworthy of time and energy from friends or family members. These negative internalized perceptions only fuel social isolation.

Depression can also negatively impact brain activity, brain health, and sleep, potentially speeding up the aging process and placing seniors at greater risk for dementia and cognitive impairment.

Loneliness also correlates with anxiety disorders, specifically social anxiety. Perceived stress surrounding initiating or participating in social interactions, worry about not having strong social skills, and low confidence are all potential factors that may lead people to shy away from relationships.

Health Risks of Loneliness in Old Age

Loneliness poses certain health risks for seniors, including heart disease, stroke, and suicidal ideation. Similarly, seniors experiencing loneliness are also more likely to experience high blood pressure, obesity, and a weakened immune system.^9,10

14 Ways to Cope With Loneliness as an Older Adult

Seniors experiencing loneliness can develop strategies and ideas for coping with isolation, low mood, and other complex emotions. Some activities focus on what you can do as an individual, and some may include your environment and the people around you.

Here are 14 ways to cope with senior isolation:^,2,11

1. Connect with loved ones: Stay connected with loved ones at a schedule and frequency that works for both sides. Whether finding time for in-person visits or learning to use social media, socializing is crucial to overall well-being.
2. Try volunteering: Engaging in meaningful activities offers a sense of motivation and belonging while providing opportunities to socialize.
3. Pick up a hobby: Try to think of an activity you enjoy or might enjoy and work that into your schedule.
4. Spend time outdoors: Take small breaks to walk or sit on your balcony or patio to get some air. Getting outside increases the chance to expand your social encounters. Even small amounts of time outdoors can do wonders.
5. Interact with a pet: Consider adopting a pet. Alternatively, contacting a pet visitation service allows you to spend time with pets without the added responsibility of caring for them.
6. Embrace alone time: Use this time to engage in a solo activity, whether a word search, puzzle, crossword, or journaling. Seeking pleasurable moments in your alone time can make coping with loneliness much easier. 
7. Maintain a healthy diet and sleep routine: Eating nutritious meals will help you feel your best. Creating a good bedtime routine can help you get more consistent and restful sleep. Exercising may help improve your mood and health.
8. Avoid misusing substances: Minimize your use of alcohol or drugs, especially if you use substances to cope with loneliness. Find more adaptive coping skills, and reach out to an addictions counselor if you need additional help managing your cravings or desire to use substances.
9. Consider a senior-specific environment: Some seniors may want the comfort of a supportive community with other seniors with similar life experiences, interests, and needs. These environments could provide much-needed care and support with tasks including meal prep, housekeeping, or laundry.
10. Stay on top of any hearing issues: Hearing problems can impact your ability to communicate with others, thereby contributing to loneliness. Getting the help you need from a health professional to improve communication can go a long way toward helping you participate actively in your social network.
11. Address your transportation needs: Losing your ability to drive can drastically reduce opportunities for social activities. Ask your local community agency about special transit services for seniors, whether through accessible transportation, volunteer services, or low-cost transport services.
12. Enhance your social skills: Sometimes, limited social skills can get in the way of your ability to socialize. Brushing up on your social skills may help increase your comfort level with social interactions. Start small and build your confidence over time.
13. Consider group counseling:  Reaching out to others with similar experiences can be very worthwhile in your battle to overcome loneliness. Participating in a group where you feel seen and heard can provide a sense of belonging and community.
14. Consult a mental health professional: Reach out to a mental health professional for additional guidance regarding coping strategies. Doing so can help you achieve your physical, mental, and emotional goals.

When to Get Professional Help for Senior Loneliness

Feeling an occasional pang of loneliness is common and may not be cause for serious concern. However, certain times and scenarios may indicate the need for support. Severe depression, low mood, low motivation, and thoughts of self-harm can severely impact functioning.

Individual counseling can help address specific needs and issues (e.g., anxiety, depression, chronic illness, disability, etc.). Alternatively, couples or family counseling can mitigate problems within your family dynamics that weigh down your relationships. You can use an online therapist directory to choose a therapist, counselor, or psychologist.

How To Support an Older Loved One Who Is Lonely

Regular in-person or virtual contact with seniors can ensure consistent communication. The more regular contact a senior has with their loved ones, the less likely they will feel lonely.¹² Finding an activity you both enjoy, whether going for a walk, sharing a meal, or playing a card game, can be very stimulating and enriching for seniors.¹²

Below are ways to support an elderly loved one experiencing loneliness:¹²

• Help them with transportation: Offer to take your elderly loved one to health-related and social activities if they cannot drive or have limited access to public transport. 
• Offer opportunities for them to see family members: Giving your elderly parent or parents a chance to connect with their grandchildren (if relevant) can also help stimulate their minds as they share knowledge, skills, stories, hobbies and passions with the younger generation.
• Help them meet their needs: You can also offer to support them in providing for themselves. Help them make meals, clean the house, or engage in self-care. 
• Teach them to use technology: Your loved one may feel bad about their inability to use technology if they struggle with social media or phone applications. Offer to teach them how to use their phones or computers to stay in touch with you and their friends.
• Explore fun activities together: Discovering new creative pursuits within their current abilities might also be helpful. Take time to learn what might inspire and motivate a loved one. Explore these options further to see if they spark interest.

Final Thoughts

Combating loneliness in seniors takes effort and intention. Various factors can contribute to social isolation, but addressing these barriers can improve well-being and life satisfaction. Consider helping an elderly loved one receive mental health support so they can find healthy ways to cope with decreased social contact.