Loneliness and Isolation Persist for One-Third of Older Adults in the U.S.

Despite returning to pre-pandemic levels, loneliness and social isolation remain significant health concerns for Americans aged 50 to 80, especially those with mental or physical health challenges.

A University of Michigan study found that 33% of older adults reported loneliness and 29% felt socially isolated in 2024, similar to pre-pandemic rates but still troublingly high.
Older adults with poor mental health (75% lonely, 77% isolated) or poor physical health (53% lonely, 52% isolated) experience disproportionately higher rates of these issues.
Adults aged 50–64 report higher levels of loneliness and isolation compared to those aged 65–80, with younger older adults not fully returning to pre-pandemic levels.
Low-income individuals and those not working or on disability also face elevated rates of loneliness and isolation, underscoring socioeconomic disparities in social connectivity.
Experts emphasize the need for clinicians to screen for loneliness and isolation and connect patients to community resources, while families and policymakers are encouraged to foster social engagement for older adults.