Gender and sexuality as risk factors for loneliness

Gender

Loneliness can affect anyone, but as we grow older, certain characteristics make some people more vulnerable than others. Gender is a social concept that includes how people identify (such as male, female, non-binary etc) and how they behave and express themselves.

Social and cultural expectations shape how loneliness is experienced at different stages of life. Research suggests that people tend to feel less lonely when their social lives match what is considered typical for someone in their life stage. When the quantity or quality of a person’s relationships doesn’t align with these expectations, feelings of loneliness can occur. These expectations change over time, and because life experiences are influenced by gender, loneliness can affect men and women differently.

Existing research compares loneliness in men and women, but the results are mixed.

Loneliness among older women

A number of studies report that loneliness is more common among women than men, including in later life. Due to differences in life expectancy, there are more women aged 75 and over in the UK than there are men (56% to 44%). Research suggests that this longer life expectancy increases the likelihood of women experiencing being widowed, having difficulties with mobility and physical health, and living alone – all risk factors for loneliness. Female pensioners are also likely to be living on lower incomes than their male counterparts, affecting their ability to access social activities.

Loneliness among older men

Some research shows that men often have weaker social connections than women, which can make them more vulnerable to loneliness in later life. Some studies found that married heterosexual men were more likely to rely on their wives to keep up social ties, so divorce or separation can leave them lonelier than women. Research also shows that widowed men tend to be more isolated than widowed women.

However, isolation doesn't always lead to loneliness for older men in the same way it does for older women. Some studies even found that older men often enjoy time alone and value their independence.

A Re-engage study in 2024 found that many men prefer to socialise while taking part in activities that involve some level of movement or creativity. As people grow older, however, physical activity can become less accessible for a variety of health or mobility reasons, which can make it harder to socialise in the ways they once enjoyed. This shift can reduce opportunities for connection unless alternative, inclusive activities are made available - ones that offer the same sense of purpose, enjoyment and camaraderie without relying on physical demands.

Sexuality

Research shows that older people who identify as part of the LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community, experience much higher levels of loneliness and depression than their heterosexual peers. One recent study found that LGBT+ people aged 55 and over are more than twice as likely to have depression. This greater risk of loneliness comes from a mix of factors, including experiences of discrimination, limited social support, and higher health risks.

The lifelong impact of discrimination

Research shows many older LGBT+ individuals have endured decades of discrimination and marginalisation due to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. These experiences can hinder the development and maintenance of close relationships, contributing to increased social isolation in later life.

Furthermore, fear of being discriminated against can stop individuals from seeking the support necessary to alleviate loneliness.

Social networks and support systems

Strong social connections, such as friends, family, and partners form the daily social interactions that boost our sense of belonging and keep loneliness at bay as we age.

However, research shows that due to discrimination and stigma, LGBT+ individuals are less likely to have intergenerational relationships and children, which can lead to having a ‘family of choice’ (often made up of people of a similar age).

Research has also found older LGBT+ adults are more likely to live alone, be single and less likely to see their biological family regularly – meaning they don’t have the personal relationships and support systems afforded to their heterosexual counterparts, leading to higher rates of loneliness.

Facing adversity throughout life also increases the risk of depression and diminished self-esteem – pushing some LGBT+ individuals to withdraw from others, harming their mental health.

How we support older LGBT+ people

We are committed to reducing loneliness among all older people, and in recognition of the unique challenges faced by LGBT+ individuals, we introduced Rainbow Call Companions.

This service offers regular, friendly phone calls from volunteers who also identify as LGBT+, fostering a sense of community and understanding. By creating safe spaces for connection, we aim to support emotional wellbeing and help individuals feel seen, heard, and valued.

75% of older people receiving a call from a Rainbow Call Companion say their general wellbeing and mental health has improved as a result of the calls.

What our older people say about the service

We were also delighted to see in our annual survey (2025) that 71% of older people involved in our Rainbow Call Companions service agree they feel less lonely since joining us.

But it’s not just our older people who benefit from the service, 85% of Rainbow Call Companion volunteers reported feeling happier as a result of joining the service too.

Get involved

If you are interested in becoming a Rainbow Call Companion volunteer, learn more and register for the role. Or, if you are an older person interested joining the Rainbow Call Companion service you can complete a self-referral form. To learn more about developing services for older LGBT+ people, you can read our report.