Determinants of loneliness among older adults: A systematic review based on recent longitudinal studies
7
Issued Date
2025-11-01
Resource Type
ISSN
01674943
eISSN
18726976
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105011955328
Journal Title
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
Volume
138
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Vol.138 (2025)
Suggested Citation
Hajek A., Zwar L., Gyasi R.M., Yon D.K., Pengpid S., Peltzer K., König H.H. Determinants of loneliness among older adults: A systematic review based on recent longitudinal studies. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Vol.138 (2025). doi:10.1016/j.archger.2025.105953 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/111520
Title
Determinants of loneliness among older adults: A systematic review based on recent longitudinal studies
Author(s)
Author's Affiliation
Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf
Mahidol University
University of the Free State
Brock University
KyungHee University College of Medicine
Southern Cross University
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
College of Medical and Health Science
African Population and Health Research Center
Mahidol University
University of the Free State
Brock University
KyungHee University College of Medicine
Southern Cross University
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
College of Medical and Health Science
African Population and Health Research Center
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Aims: To synthesize studies examining the determinants of loneliness among older adults based on recent longitudinal observational studies. Methods: PRISMA guidelines were followed (PROSPERO ID CRD420251006752). In mid-March 2025, four established databases were searched and an additional hand search was performed. Observational longitudinal studies investigating the determinants of loneliness amongst older adults were included published from June 2018 ongoing. We extracted main characteristics and evaluated study quality. Results: Overall, 47 studies were finally included in this review. There is mainly mixed/inconclusive evidence regarding the link between socioeconomic determinants of loneliness, whereas spousal loss was mainly associated with higher loneliness. Regarding support and volunteering determinants, there is cautious evidence showing that volunteering may be beneficial for preventing loneliness. Regarding mental health/psychological factors, most studies showed a bidirectional relation of depressive symptoms and meaning/purpose in life with loneliness. Regarding health-related factors, poor self-rated health was often associated with higher loneliness. There is also some evidence for the link between sensory impairment and higher loneliness, whilst other health-related factors such as functional impairments were not consistently associated with loneliness. Conclusions: Our systematic review identified some risk factors of loneliness among older adults, including spousal loss, unfavorable mental health, absence of meaning in life, poor self-rated health, and sensory impairment. Furthermore, volunteering may help to avoid loneliness. Thus, efforts to support individuals experiencing spousal loss, avoid poor mental and self-rated health, enhance the meaning in life, maintain sensory abilities, and encourage volunteering may help prevent loneliness in old age.