Overview

• Loneliness follows a U-shaped pattern, peaking in youth and old age, while declining during middle adulthood.
• Risk factors for increased loneliness include social isolation, lower education, and physical disabilities.
• Health risks associated with loneliness are comparable to those of smoking, highlighting the need for regular assessments.
• The study analyzed data from nine longitudinal studies across various countries, emphasizing the global consistency of the loneliness trend.
• Interventions are needed to address social disparities and reduce loneliness, especially among older adults.