Strategies to Reduce Loneliness and Social Isolation among Elderly People - A Review

Loneliness and social isolation have emerged as persistent public health concerns across the life course, with older adults experiencing heightened vulnerability due to biological, psychological, and social transitions. Loneliness reflects a subjective sense of disconnection, while social isolation refers to the objective absence of social relationships and interactions, both carrying serious health consequences. Evidence links these conditions to increased risks of cardiovascular disease, mental health disorders, cognitive decline, and premature mortality, with effects comparable to major lifestyle risk factors. Global and Indian data, including findings from the LASI Wave 1 survey, highlight the growing prevalence of loneliness and associated psychiatric conditions among ageing populations, particularly in specific regional contexts. The discussion outlines a multi-level framework of interventions spanning individual, community, and societal domains. Strategies such as cognitive behavioural therapy, social prescribing, digital engagement, community infrastructure development, and inclusive public policies are examined alongside empirical evidence from randomized trials, systematic reviews, and population studies. Together, these approaches underscore the need for coordinated, age-sensitive responses that address both emotional experiences and structural determinants of social connection in later life.