[The role of employment in mitigating loneliness among older adults]

The increasing proportion of older adults in the population, along with changes in their occupational engagement, has made loneliness a growing concern across Europe. Due to the unclear relationship between work and loneliness, this study aimed to examine the association between occupational activity and loneliness among adults aged ≥60 years, considering factors that may influence this relationship.

The study was conducted among 1090 respondents aged ≥60 years in September-November 2025 using computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI). Loneliness was assessed using the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale (R-UCLA), and life satisfaction was measured with the World Health Organization Quality of Life - Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. Participants were categorized into 3 groups: occupationally and socially active, socially active but not occupationally active, and neither occupationally nor socially active. Logistic regression (odds ratio, 95% CI) was applied to identify factors associated with occupational activity, Mann-Whitney U tests were used for comparisons between working and non-working participants, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were employed for analyses across the 3 activity profiles.

Engagement in occupational activity among adults aged ≥60 years was limited (17.2%). It was most common among individuals aged 60-69 years, who have higher education, are more satisfied with their lives, but are also divorced, rate their mental health more poorly, and are in a more difficult financial situation (p < 0.05). Non-working participants exhibited significantly higher loneliness, lower social connectedness, and poorer quality of life (p < 0.001). Occupationally active individuals showed the highest quality of life and lowest loneliness, whereas those inactive both socially and professionally displayed the lowest quality of life and highest loneliness levels.

Occupational activity may reduce loneliness and enhance quality of life among older adults, highlighting the importance of systemic and institutional support. There is a need to develop and expand access to age-friendly and flexible employment opportunities for seniors to promote active and healthy aging. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2026;77(5).