Unwanted loneliness in older adults: sociodemographic, economic and psychosocial determinants and self-reported loneliness-inducing situations

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Abstract
To analyse the factors associated with unwanted loneliness in non-institutionalized over-65-year-olds in Spain. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a representative national sample (n = 1,003) by means of computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI). Loneliness was measured using the UCLA 3-item scale, with two intensity cut-offs (≥ 4 y ≥ 5). Logistic regressions were applied to identify significant associations between sociodemographic, economic and health variables and self-reported loneliness-inducing situations. Loneliness was significantly associated with being widowed, living alone, low income, anxiety or depression, low life satisfaction and difficulties with new technologies, The presence of anxiety or depression exhibited a potentially reciprocal association with loneliness. Urban environments were also linked to a greater prevalence of loneliness. Unwanted loneliness in older adults is a multi-factorial phenomenon with implications for mental health and well-being. Satisfaction with life was found to act as a protective factor. These findings reinforce the need for multidisciplinary strategies to address and prevent loneliness in old age. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-026-26742-5.
Funding Information
  • Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (2025-GRIN-38314)
  • Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (2025-GRIN-38314)
  • Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (2025-GRIN-38314)
  • Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (2025-GRIN-38314)
  • Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha (SBPLY/24/ 180225/000009)
  • Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha (SBPLY/24/ 180225/000009)
  • Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha (SBPLY/24/ 180225/000009)
  • Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha (SBPLY/24/ 180225/000009)

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