Social Work Responses to Loneliness and Social Isolation Among Older Adults: Knowledge, Competences and Challenges

To analyze the knowledge, competences, and challenges of Social Work in addressing loneliness and social isolation among older people, and how these dimensions shape professional practice.

An exploratory mixed-methods study was conducted in Barcelona (Spain) with a total sample of 425 participants: thirty semi-structured interviews with older people, social workers and technical managers (n = 30), a questionnaire administered to practising professionals (n = 351), and four focus groups with older people, professionals and other stakeholders (n = 44). Qualitative data were analyzed inductively and quantitative data descriptively, integrating findings across three dimensions: knowledge, competences, and challenges.

Social workers reported frequent contact with older adults experiencing loneliness or social isolation and demonstrated strong relational and ethical sensitivity. However, 43% felt little or not at all prepared to address these situations, and only 5.1% felt very well prepared. Although 57.3% claimed to differentiate between forms of loneliness, this ability was rarely systematic, and existential loneliness was the least recognized. The most valued competences included respect for diversity, promotion of dignity and self-determination, and support during processes of loss and life transitions. Major challenges involved limited time and resources, excessive caseloads, difficulties in reaching certain groups, insufficient training and systematization, and emotional strain linked to relational work.

Findings reveal a gap between relational sensitivity and the lack of methodological and systematic tools for evidence-based practice.

Progressing toward evidence-informed relational practice requires consolidating frameworks, integrating loneliness and aging into professional training, and developing indicators legitimizing accompaniment as a measurable professional intervention.