It's Lonely at the Middle: Loneliness in Middle Age

"Loneliness is by now widely recognized as a serious public health problem the world over. Research has robustly documented the across-the-board negative effects of loneliness and social isolation for both physical and mental health. A debate exists about the root causes of this so-called loneliness epidemic. Among the proposed culprits are some of the usual modern suspects including pervasive new technologies, as well as our modern, harried, and competitive lifestyle, with its high stress and workload demands."

"High rates of residential mobility, a characteristic of American life, may also be involved, as they often result in weaker community ties and fewer available supports, particularly for those who care for elderly parents and/or young children. Poor health, minority status, financial difficulties and a rickety social safety net have also been shown to predict loneliness. Social and economic inequalities affect loneliness by undermining people's ability to meet basic needs, increasing stress levels, and undermining social networks."

"Men, particularly young ones, appear to experience higher rates of loneliness than women. The elderly may be especially vulnerable, as many live alone with limited mobility, dwindling contacts, and limited resources. The aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic are also in play, as the pandemic pushed people further and deeper into reliance on remote communications, which are convenient yet less than nutritious for our need to belong."

Loneliness is widely recognized as a serious public health problem worldwide. Research shows that loneliness and social isolation have negative effects on both physical and mental health. Proposed causes include pervasive new technologies, modern harried lifestyles with high stress and workload, and high residential mobility that weakens community ties and available supports. Poor health, minority status, financial difficulties, and a weak social safety net predict higher loneliness. Social and economic inequalities undermine basic needs, increase stress, and erode social networks. Men, particularly young men, and the elderly face elevated loneliness risks. The COVID-19 pandemic increased reliance on remote communications, exacerbating loneliness. Recent data indicate middle-aged Americans are lonelier than Europeans and than earlier U.S. cohorts.

Read at Psychology Today