Living arrangements as a risk factor for loneliness
How living arrangements influence loneliness
Living arrangements are a risk factor for loneliness. Research has found certain accommodation types as well as living alone can influence how people engage with their social networks and the broader community.
Accommodation type
Where people live can greatly affect how connected or isolated they feel.
Research shows many older people prefer staying in their own homes because it helps them remain independent and close to their communities, but this can become difficult if their health or mobility declines.
Research also shows that those living in nursing homes are often at higher risk of loneliness due to fewer meaningful interactions and reduced autonomy, while high-rise apartments can also limit social connection because of poor design, lack of communal spaces, and limited accessibility.
On the other hand, retirement villages and similar community living options often help reduce loneliness by encouraging social activities, offering shared spaces, and supporting independence.
Our annual survey data (2025) shows that people living in assisted living or extra care housing were 44% less likely than those living in other housing types to have contact with other guests, and 19% less likely to be engaged with other services outside of Re-engage.
Living alone
Living alone in later life can significantly increase the risk of loneliness, especially after major changes such as losing a partner or children moving away. Widowers may be especially affected, as the loss of daily companionship and support can create deep emotional loneliness.
Research shows that while living alone doesn’t always cause isolation, it increases the risk when combined with poor health, limited mobility, or reduced access to transport.
A personal story
One moment that has stayed with me came during one of our earlier coffee afternoons, when a gentleman shared that he hadn’t been out of his house for nearly two years before attending one of our gatherings. It’s moments like these that truly show how life changing this work can be.
– Ranjot Khatra, Director, Bluebird Care Bromsgrove and Redditch
How partnerships help
We work in partnership with a range of local and regional organisations to establish and deliver social Activity Groups across multiple areas. Working collaboratively enables us to extend our reach and engage a more diverse range of older people than could be achieved through standalone delivery alone.
Partnership working is central to identifying and supporting older people who may be at greater risk of social isolation or loneliness. For example, our collaborations with organisations such as Bluebird Care, which provides at-home care and support, and Trent & Dove, a housing provider operating across the West Midlands, help us reach older people living in a variety of housing situations, including supported and independent accommodation.
These simple gatherings are making a big difference. At a time when local services are stretched and loneliness is on the rise, Re-engage is helping to create real joy and connection in later life.
– Adenrele Adekoya, Operations Director Bluebird Care
Partner with us
If you are a company or organisation and interested in exploring a partnership with us, please contact us for more information.
Want to find out more?
The research on this page has been drawn from a literature review written by Research 100 volunteer Katie Webber. If you would like to explore the sources in detail, or learn more about living arrangements as a risk factor for social isolation and loneliness, please read the article.