Feeling Lonely? You’re Not Alone

Everyone feels lonely sometimes. But long-term loneliness can affect our health. When does feeling blue turn into something more? Take our quiz to find out.

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Do You Know the Risks of Loneliness?

Take our quiz to see how much you know about the impacts of loneliness on health and wellbeing.

How many older adults say they are lonely? *1 in 102 in 103 in 104 in 10Half or more

Answer: 4 in 10.

While loneliness can affect people at any age, about 4 in 10 (43%) adults aged 60 and older report feeling lonely. Older adults are at increased risk of loneliness/isolation due to life changes such as the loss of family or friends, living alone, chronic illness and disability.

Loneliness is a mental health problem. *TrueFalse

Answer: False!

Everyone feels lonely sometimes. However, ongoing loneliness can have a negative impact on mental health, and people who have a mental health challenge such as depression may find their condition worsens because of loneliness.

Who is lonelier? *MenWomen

Answer: It depends.

Men and women report feeling loneliest at different ages. Researchers find that men experience the highest levels of loneliness at age 40 and decrease over time to age 80, while more women experience steadily increasing levels of loneliness from age 40 to 80.

Which is a sign of loneliness in older adults? *Appetite changesNegative feelingsLack of hygieneSleep problemsIncreased internet useAll of the above

Answer: All of the above.

People who are lonely often show a lack of interest in activities of daily living such as eating, bathing and dressing. They may also try to make themselves feel better by shopping and spending more time on social media.

People who are lonely are at risk for serious health issues. *TrueFalse

Answer: True!

Ongoing loneliness and social isolation are associated with an increased risk of heart problems, obesity, diabetes, depression and anxiety, addiction, dementia, and early death.

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