Loneliness trajectories surrounding mobility loss: The role of disability duration

Mobility limitations in later life can disrupt social engagement and increase loneliness, but trajectories may differ depending on whether limitations remain or individuals recover. This study examines loneliness trajectories around the onset of mobility limitations, focusing on differences by limitation duration.

Data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe were used to analyse 4,109 adults aged 65+ who experienced the onset of mobility limitations, of whom 2,018 recovered within two years. A reference group of 8,197 individuals had no mobility limitations. Loneliness was measured up to two years before and four years after the onset. Linear spline mixed-effects models estimated trajectories by onset and limitation duration.

Loneliness increased following the onset of mobility limitations. Individuals with persistent limitations showed continued increases, while those who recovered stabilised, though not returning to pre-onset levels.

These findings suggest that early interventions to mitigate mobility limitations may help reduce the risk of subsequent loneliness. Physical recovery does not restore social and emotional well-being. For those with persistent mobility limitations, targeted efforts to curb increasing loneliness trajectories could be especially beneficial.