Loneliness is a complex problem that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or background. However, research shows that certain groups are more likely to experience loneliness than others. Understanding who is most affected by loneliness can help us develop better solutions and provide targeted support.
The elderly
The elderly are particularly susceptible to loneliness and social isolation. As people age, they are more likely to experience events that can trigger loneliness, such as:
- Retirement and loss of professional identity
- Death of friends and family
- Age-related disabilities that restrict mobility
- Moving into assisted living or a nursing home
Studies estimate that around 30-50% of the elderly population suffers from loneliness. Some key statistics on loneliness in the elderly include:
- Over 45% of people over 60 feel lonely often or some of the time (Age UK)
- Almost half of people aged 65+ feel isolated some or all of the time (Carers UK)
- Over 75% of GPs say they see between 1 and 5 lonely people a day (Campaign to End Loneliness)
Loneliness in the elderly can have severe consequences, including depression, cognitive decline, and poorer physical health. Efforts to tackle elderly isolation include befriending schemes, community programs, and increased social support.
Young adults
Younger generations may not immediately come to mind when we think of loneliness. But young adults between 18-22 have high rates of reported loneliness.
Factors that can contribute to loneliness in this age group include:
- Leaving home and losing family support networks
- Starting college or university in a new place with no friends
- Entering the working world and living independently for the first time
- Using social media and feeling inadequate compared to peers
Some statistics on loneliness in young adults:
- Over 60% of young adults feel lonely at least some of the time (YouGov)
- 35% of millennials say they feel lonely frequently (Cigna)
- Gen Z is the loneliest generation, with 79% experiencing bouts of loneliness
Loneliness at this life stage can negatively impact mental health and learning. Colleges and employers are increasingly focused on providing better social connections and support networks.
Adolescents
Adolescence is a vulnerable time for the emergence of loneliness. It is a period of immense change and upheaval as youth try to find their identity and navigate social relationships.
Causes of loneliness in adolescents can include:
- Social anxiety and struggles fitting in
- Being bullied, excluded, or rejected by peers
- Low self-esteem or lack of self-worth
- Spending too much time online and less time socializing
Key loneliness statistics for adolescents:
- Over 50% of adolescents feel lonely at least sometimes (BBC Loneliness Experiment)
- 22% of teens say they feel lonely daily or weekly (YouGov)
- Teens who feel lonely are twice as likely to develop depression (Journal of Adolescence)
Teen loneliness is linked to issues like school absenteeism, drug use, and violence. Schools try to combat this by promoting inclusion, peer counseling, and youth mentorship programs.
People living alone
Living alone is a strong predictor of loneliness across all age groups. People living alone are at high risk for social isolation as they lack the daily social interaction that comes from living with others.
Some key data points:
- Around 1/3 of U.S. households have just one resident
- People living alone are more likely to say they lack companionship
- Those living alone have a ~30% higher mortality risk versus those living with others
Widowhood in particular often leads to living alone in older age. Efforts to reduce loneliness amongst those living solo should focus on increasing social connections through local clubs, volunteer work, or community events.
Caregivers
Caring for sick, elderly, or disabled family members can be an isolating experience. The demands of caregiving mean less time for social activities and interacting with friends.
Some key statistics:
- Over 50% of caregivers say they feel alone or isolated
- 70% of caregivers suffer mental health issues like depression
- Caregivers have a 23% higher mortality risk compared to non-caregivers
Respite care, caregiver support groups, and adult day care options can help caregivers get breaks and feel less alone.
People with disabilities
Whether physical, mental, or developmental, having a disability can present barriers to social inclusion and increase loneliness.
Some factors that can contribute:
- Social stigma surrounding disabilities
- Lack of accessible spaces and transportation options
- Fewer opportunities to participate in activities and hobbies
- Overprotection by caregivers
Key data points:
- 75% of disabled adults feel lonely (Scope UK)
- Over 50% of disabled teens report feeling left out and lonely (BBC)
- 33% of autistic adults say they often feel lonely (National Autistic Society)
Improving social inclusion for the disabled requires tackling accessibility issues and providing more chances for disabled individuals to connect.
Unemployed
Losing one’s job can trigger a profound sense of loneliness. Workplaces provide natural social circles and a sense of meaning and purpose.
Unemployment statistics related to loneliness:
- The unemployed are twice as likely to report loneliness compared to employed adults
- 27% of unemployed young people say they “always” feel lonely
- Unemployed men over 50 struggle most with loneliness during job loss
Providing professional networking, career counseling, and skills training can help counter the isolation of unemployment.
LGBTQ+
Discrimination, social exclusion, and lack of acceptance from family and friends can heighten loneliness within the LGBTQ+ community.
Key statistics:
- LGBT+ adults are 2-3 times more likely to feel lonely compared to heterosexual adults
- Trans individuals have loneliness rates 13% higher than the general population
- LGBT+ youth are 2-6 times more likely to contemplate suicide due to loneliness
Having strong social support, access to inclusive communities, and acceptance at home and work can protect against loneliness.
Divorced and widowed
Marital transitions like divorce or the death of a spouse are strongly linked to loneliness. The loss of such intimate relationships leaves a large social void.
Some key data points:
- Recently widowed seniors have loneliness rates as high as 51%
- Divorcees are 10% more likely to say they lack companionship
- Newly divorced adults have loneliness levels similar to unemployed adults
Social support networks, grief counseling, mental health treatment, and new social activities can help ease loneliness during marital transitions.
Socioeconomic factors
Loneliness seems to correlate strongly with socioeconomic deprivation. People facing financial instability, unemployment, low education levels, and poverty are at heightened risk.
Some relevant data:
- Adults below the poverty line have loneliness rates 60% higher than those with higher incomes
- Only 23% of low-income teens say they never feel left out, versus 63% for high-income teens
- Loneliness rates are highest in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods and lowest in well-off communities
Tackling poverty, unemployment, low social capital, and lack of community resources may be key to alleviating loneliness.
Rural populations
Residents of remote and rural areas report much higher levels of loneliness compared to their urban counterparts. Geographic isolation, lack of transportation, and limited social opportunities all contribute.
Key data on rural loneliness:
- Rural adults are 20-25% more likely to report frequent loneliness than those in urban areas
- 55% of rural residents report sometimes or often feeling isolated from others
- Loneliness is a reported problem for around 60% of rural teens
Innovative policies like ride-sharing, community spaces, and virtual social events can help overcome the loneliness of physical remoteness.
Recent traumatic events
Experiencing trauma, abuse, violence, or a major negative life event can trigger feelings of loneliness and disconnection. The upheaval often damages trust and existing social relationships.
Relevant statistics:
- 71% of elder abuse survivors report resultant feelings of loneliness
- Around 70% of domestic violence survivors describe themselves as lonely
- Sexual assault survivors are 4 times more likely to experience intense loneliness
Having social support during recovery and treatment tailored for trauma survivors can mitigate these lonely feelings.
Incarcerated populations
Incarceration socially isolates individuals from loved ones, communities, and regular human contact. Prison environments can exacerbate loneliness.
Some key data:
- Studies have found that over 90% of prisoners report loneliness
- Social deprivation and isolation are key factors in prison suicide and self-harm
- Ex-convicts are much more likely to report chronic loneliness after release
Maintaining outside social ties via visitation and re-integrating with communities after release can counteract prisoner loneliness.
Conclusion
Loneliness clearly disproportionately affects certain groups, including the elderly, socially isolated youth, unemployed and impoverished populations, and marginalized communities.
Key strategies for combating loneliness amongst high-risk groups include:
- Targeted community outreach and interventions
- Mentorship and peer support networks
- Access to mental health services
- Recreation and social activity programs
- Improved social support from friends, family, and caregivers
With loneliness reaching epidemic levels globally, a strategic focus on helping lonely, vulnerable individuals can have significant societal impacts. Recognizing groups at higher risk is an important first step in developing solutions and policies to foster social inclusion.