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How loneliness increased among different age groups during COVID-19: a longitudinal analysis
Fiona Köster1, Oliver Lipps2,3
1LIVES, Institute of Social Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland. fiona.koester@unil.ch.
European Journal of Ageing
|January 3, 2024
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated loneliness, particularly in younger individuals. Shared households offered some protection against increased loneliness for those aged 30 and older, but not for younger adults.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Gerontology
- Public Health
Background:
- COVID-19 restrictions significantly limited social interactions and gatherings.
- Understanding the differential impact of these restrictions on loneliness across age groups is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-specific increases in loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To examine if life course conditions mediate these age-related differences in loneliness.
Main Methods:
- Utilized longitudinal data from the Swiss Household Panel.
- Analyzed changes in loneliness in relation to age and specific life circumstances during the pandemic.
Main Results:
- Loneliness increased disproportionately among younger individuals.
- Individuals aged 30+ living in shared households experienced less loneliness increase.
- Living with a partner, being male, and anticipating no health complications moderated loneliness increases, independent of age.
Conclusions:
- The pandemic's impact on loneliness varied significantly by age, with younger individuals being more vulnerable.
- While shared households provided some buffer for older adults, this effect was absent in younger cohorts.
- Socio-demographic factors like partnership and gender played a role in moderating loneliness, irrespective of age.
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