Loneliness: These are The Most Significant Risk Factors

Connectedness is a basic human need in addition to food, clothing, and security. If you don't feel connected, you become lonely. Therefore, it is essential to understand the risk factors for loneliness to help yourself and others and ensure better togetherness. You can easily be together while enjoying the Betlabel casino.

1. risk factor: old and young are more likely to be lonely

People in old age and young people are exposed to the risk factor of loneliness.

When most people hear the term ‘loneliness risk factor’, age is probably the first thing that comes to mind. It is not uncommon for people to become lonelier in old age. Older people increasingly lose relatives, are often less mobile and connected, and sometimes suffer from poverty. As a result, they are less able to make new contacts or maintain old acquaintances and are less able to participate in life (with others) actively.

However, age-related risk factors for loneliness affect not only older people. Young people also struggle with this feeling. They often have to find their way first, forge relationships, and build networks. It can take until middle age before we experience subjective stability and connectedness.

In a study published in 2024, researchers present the U-model. Loneliness is high at the beginning of our lives and decreases in adulthood until it stabilises in middle age (bottom of the U). With increasing age, loneliness increases again and does not decrease until death.

2. risk factor: Health-related loneliness

People in need of care are more likely to suffer from isolation and loneliness.

Poor health is another risk factor for loneliness that is often associated with advancing age. People who need care, are physically or cognitively impaired or even bedridden are less able to participate in social life. A lack of connection can quickly make them lonely.

The challenge here is that loneliness and health are interrelated. People with physical or mental health problems often live more withdrawn lives. People who feel lonely for various reasons are, in turn, more susceptible to illness.

According to the ZQP Foundation, consequences can include

• sleep disorders

• Negative thoughts and depressive moods

• dementia

• less exercise and obesity

• Weak immune system

• heart disease and blood pressure problems

• Physical pain

3. education and wealth

As the two previously mentioned risk factors show, loneliness is often linked to a limited ability to participate in social life. 

People with a good education get better jobs, earn more, and have the financial means to engage in social activities such as going to the cinema, eating out, or (sustainable) travelling on holiday. This may make them less isolated or lonely.

Unfortunately, people with a migrant background or from less affluent families are particularly affected by this risk factor. In addition, people with less wealth may be looked down upon, which can lead to increased marginalisation and bullying.

In this context, a long-term study explains that this also involves self-confidence and belief in self-realisation. For example, people who lack this (due to marginalisation) are more likely to be lonely.

Scientists from San Diego also explain that people with a high level of education benefit from wisdom in old age. Therefore, they are self-reflective, open-minded and able to engage with new perspectives. According to the researchers, wisdom can, thus, counteract loneliness.

         4. Social isolation: risk and consequence

Social isolation can be both a consequence of and a risk factor for loneliness. Social isolation is not only a risk factor for loneliness, but also a possible consequence. Loneliness and isolation do not necessarily have to be mutually dependent. Nevertheless, it is known that a person's loneliness is closely linked to the density of their social network.