Loneliness and Social Isolation in the Care of the Seriously Ill Older Adult

Loneliness and social isolation can be common experiences among older adults with serious, life-limiting illness and individuals approaching the last months or years of their lives. This article reviews the epidemiology and risk factors for loneliness and social isolation among this group and mechanisms unique to serious illness that might impact loneliness and social isolation. We then present a clinical framework for addressing loneliness and social isolation and enhancing social connection in the context of serious illness, including through assessment, processing emotion, addressing clinical contributors, preserving and enhancing social connections, and mitigating the impact of loneliness and social isolation.