The Global Issues of Loneliness and Social Connectedness

The population of adults aged 60 and older is predicted to double by 2050 worldwide and draws attention to the need for continued efforts to address prevalent issues such as loneliness and social isolation (SI) in this age group.1 There are well-documented physical and mental sequalae related to loneliness including premature mortality, functional decline, cognitive decline, and decreased quality of life consistently reported.2-4 Data suggest feelings of being isolated, a lack of companionship, and having infrequent social contact are strongly associated with declines in physical and mental health among older adults.