Understanding the experiences of loneliness
Loneliness is often described as the feeling that there is a gap between the social connections someone has, and the ones they want or need.
Of course, it’s subjective and perceptions of loneliness can fluctuate day to day. It’s widely acknowledged that loneliness is a ‘normal’ feeling, but it can lead to challenges with personal wellbeing, and can have a lasting impact on someone’s physical and mental wellbeing. It’s widely documented that ongoing loneliness can lead to negative health outcomes, including a risk of mental health issues, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and even reduced life expectancy.
Personal factors such as age, gender, race, or life circumstance shape how loneliness is experienced. For example, the death of a partner can feel different to social exclusion, but both can result in loneliness.
How loneliness affects the mind and body
Research often describes loneliness as a negative experience with both emotional and physical effects - marked by feelings of hopelessness, shame, and anxiety, and accompanied by symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and insomnia.
Physical challenges are reinforced by feelings of hopelessness and self-alienation (when someone distances themself from their own feelings or activities), which can lead people to withdraw further, deepening their loneliness. This can create a negative loop which reinforces social isolation.
Many older people report feeling ashamed and embarrassed about their loneliness, often hiding their struggles and sometimes turning to harmful short-term coping strategies instead of seeking support.
Fear of future loneliness
Loneliness can occur even if someone has strong support networks. What happens if a key family member or cherished friend moves away or dies? As we age, naturally we face new health issues, and our social circles shift, leading to a reduction in social connection.
In 2025, in partnership with The Care Share Solution and Age Action Alliance, we conducted a survey with 360 people across the UK. Our survey found that respondents who had experienced loneliness previously were more concerned about future loneliness: 40% said they disliked the thought of ever feeling lonely, while another 37% said they would be concerned if feelings of loneliness lasted a long time or affected their quality of life.
My adult children often come to stay but if they didn't our 4-bedroom house would feel very lonely. I think I would consider sharing my home if and when my husband died before me. I enjoy companionship.
– Research participant aged 65-69 talking about loneliness prevention.
In summary…
Research shows loneliness is generally an uncomfortable emotional experience, which can affect both physical and mental health. While some people find positives in solitude, many describe loneliness as harmful and distressing.
We are working to combat loneliness, stepping in to provide vital, life enhancing social connection for adults age 75 and over. We do this through three services: tea parties, call companions, and activity groups. If you are interested in signing up as a volunteer or are an older person seeking connection, please visit our website.
Want to find out more?
The research on this page has been drawn from a literature review written by Research 100 volunteer Harriet Tucker. If you would like to explore the sources in detail, or learn more about what loneliness feels like, please read the article.