What helps older adults prevent loneliness—and can time alone be positive?

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Age-related physical changes can affect people's ability to engage actively with others, limiting social connections in ways comparable to loneliness. The researchers saw a need to understand how older adults avoid loneliness and promote health through social connections. They aimed to describe the significance of social connections and health in relation to loneliness experienced by older adults living at home.

Sixteen adults aged 65 or older, purposively selected from a longitudinal population-based multicentre study, took part in semi-structured interviews. The interviews were conducted in January 2024, transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive content analysis.

The findings identified one main category, “Preventing loneliness,” and three associated generic categories: “The silver lining of connecting with oneself,” “Being surrounded by meaningful connections,” and “Striving to maintain an active and healthy life.”

The authors concluded that preventing loneliness may be an important aspect of healthy ageing. For some older adults, however, time alone offers enrichment and well-being, with routines playing a key role. The authors considered meaningful connections and feeling needed crucial to preventing loneliness, especially as social networks may decline with age. They also concluded that an active and healthy life prevents loneliness, while barriers such as age-related limitations need to be addressed. They said it is important to address loneliness in society. They also called for healthcare education to incorporate the impact of loneliness on older adults to promote healthy ageing.