Overview

• After adjusting for age, health conditions and other risk factors, those reporting loneliness showed no higher one-year mortality risk than non-lonely peers
• Loneliness prevalence among home care recipients ranged from 15.9% in Canada to 24.4% in New Zealand
• Individuals in better physical health and receiving less help from family or friends were more likely to report feelings of loneliness
• The authors stress that loneliness poses serious mental health challenges and recommend home and community care services prioritize social connection
• Researchers call for longer-term studies to clarify causal links and examine how cultural and care system differences affect loneliness and health outcomes