Study examines effective strategies to combat loneliness in older adults

Loneliness among older adults is a growing public health problem, linked to cardiovascular disease, substance abuse, mental illness, high healthcare utilization, and premature mortality.

A systematic literature review published in Frontiers in public health by Uday “AJ” Patil and Kathryn L. Braun of the University of Hawai‘i at Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health at Mānoa examined interventions to alleviate this problem.

Loneliness, defined as a feeling of disconnection from people and communities, was addressed in 19 systematic literature reviews, covering 101 unique intervention studies from 21 countries. Interventions ranged from social activities and psychological therapies to animal-assisted and skill-building programs.

The study found that almost two-thirds (63%) of interventions effectively reduced loneliness. Programs that combined multiple strategies – such as improving social skills, building social support and increasing social interactions – were particularly successful. Mindfulness-based stress reduction and reminiscence therapy also showed positive results, as did all animal-assisted interventions, including therapy with real, robotic and virtual pets.

“Our work highlights how loneliness has been particularly harmful during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many interventions have been inaccessible. Makeshift efforts lacked the depth needed for lasting impact,” Patil said. “Effective interventions require more than socialization – they must promote purpose and meaning, especially for kūpuna, through intentional, multifaceted approaches.”

As loneliness continues to pose serious health risks for older adults worldwide, this study highlights the importance of programs that reduce isolation while promoting meaningful connections and community engagement.