Challenges of Older Adults: The Role of Loneliness Types on Mental Health

Loneliness represents a global concern, particularly in late adulthood. As a multifaceted construct-encompassing social, emotional, and existential dimensions-it has been linked to mental health among older individuals. In the current study, the associations of three loneliness types with depression and anxiety were examined in individuals aged 65 and older.

Two hundred thirty-seven participants who were aged 65 and older (Mean Age = 70.87, SD = 5.55) were included in the analyses. Two hierarchical regression analyses were performed to investigate which type(s) of loneliness are associated with depression and anxiety after controlling for demographic variables.

Results indicated that existential, social, and emotional loneliness were significantly related to depression. Specifically, existential loneliness showed the strongest association with depression. Moreover, only existential loneliness was significantly associated with anxiety.

The findings of the current study added substantially to our understanding of differential influences of loneliness types on depression and anxiety in older individuals.

Findings implicated that all loneliness types-but first existential loneliness-should be addressed while working with older adults experiencing depressive symptoms. However, in cases where the primary mental health concern is anxiety, targeted intervention on existential loneliness is especially recommended.