Evidence review: social isolation and loneliness 

Background

Social isolation and loneliness are two different but overlapping experiences which are recognised as significant public health concerns due to their impact on health and wellbeing.

Loneliness is a subjective feeling about the quality of social connections, whereas social isolation is an objective lack of social contact.

Certain demographic groups may be more likely to experience social isolation and loneliness, with multiple factors increasing this risk.

Method

An evidence review was conducted by the Zero Suicide Alliance. Multiple sources were reviewed to highlight who is at more risk of experiencing social isolation and loneliness. This review also highlights individual, social, economic and geographical risk factors and the wider impacts.

Intersectionality was considered to understand how overlapping social identities impact the experience of social isolation and loneliness.

Results

Certain groups were more at risk of experiencing social isolation:

• Young adults report higher levels of loneliness compared to other ages.
• Older adults are more likely to be socially isolated.
• Carers
• Disabled and chronically ill people
• Ethnic minorities and migrants
• LGBTQ+
• Parents
• People with mental illness or mental health symptoms
• All groups at risk experience intersectionality with age

Key risk factors were identified:

• Individual factors such as bereavement and divorce.
• Societal factors such as discrimination, technology and digital exclusion.
• Economic factors such as financial hardship, debt, unemployment and workplace loneliness.
• Geographical factors such as living alone, in deprived areas or with limited transport access.

There are wider impacts of social isolation and loneliness:

• Physical health such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and early mortality.
• Mental health and wellbeing, such as depression, anxiety and suicide.
• Cognitive decline such as memory loss, reduced brain function and dementia risk.

Author

Jade Corbridge, Zero Suicide Alliance

Audience

Professionals, healthcare professionals