LONELINESS IS EMERGING as a major but often overlooked health risk for Ireland’s older population, according to new findings from a Trinity College study.

The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), which has tracked over 8,000 adults aged 50 and older for more than 14 years, found that persistent loneliness is linked to poorer mental and physical health, reduced functional ability, and a lower quality of life.

While average levels of loneliness returned to pre-pandemic norms after a sharp rise during Covid-19 lockdowns, around one in eight older adults continue to report significant loneliness – a level strongly associated with depression, functional decline, and poorer self-rated health.

Those most affected tend to be unmarried, living alone, or in poorer health.

The study identified three patterns of loneliness: gradual increases over time, consistently high levels, and temporary spikes during the pandemic.

Strong social networks and good health emerged as protective factors, with older adults who maintain social ties showing greater resilience even during periods of societal disruption.

Professor Rose Anne Kenny, Principal Investigator of TILDA, told The Journal that the report highlights that loneliness is more than just a social issue.

“I think people don’t understand the effect that loneliness can have on your body, it has a viral effect,” Kenny said.

“Everybody assumes it’s just emotional, but it’s not. It has a biological effect, not only on the physical body, but also on the brain, so that people who experience it for a period of time are more likely to get dementia.”

Kenny pointed out that loneliness also increases the likelihood of diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.

“When I speak to people about that, they don’t seem to be aware that this is the case.”

Kenny said that, in her view, tackling loneliness requires community-driven solutions before government action.

“My own view is that we should start with communities, not government, because it should be a bottom-up approach,” Kenny said.

“Government can help by supporting activities in the community and sharing information on initiatives. Even small steps, like national recognition through awards for community involvement, could make a huge difference in reducing isolation.”

Strain on older carers

The report also highlights pressures faced by older family carers, who provide essential informal care for relatives and friends.

While only 5% of women and 3% of men aged 60 and over report being carers, many provide more than 50 hours of care per week.

This intensive caregiving is linked to poorer mental health, higher levels of depressive symptoms, and increased stress, particularly among women.

While informal care reduces demand on publicly funded services and benefits care recipients, it can take a heavy toll on the wellbeing of carers themselves.

Professor Kenny stressed the importance of early support.

“There’s a threshold beyond which we can’t expect carers to give care,” Kenny said.

She pointed to information in the report which found that those providing more than 40 to 50 hours a week often have poor health.

“Once the carer breaks down, the care system breaks down, and the person receiving care may end up in a care facility themselves,” Kenny said.

“It’s clearly unfair to have people caring to such a level that their mental health is breaking down, and their overall physical well-being is compromised. We need to preempt that.”

If you resonate with feelings of sadness and loneliness, help is available:

• Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.ie
• ALONE on 0818 222 024.