The impact of social isolation and loneliness on the health of elderly people

Samoylov D. S.
Scientific department of Russian armed forces¹

Sukhotherin D. M.
Cand. Sc. (medicine), Associate Professor of the Department of Extreme Medicine, Traumatology, Orthopedics and Military Field Surgery²

Sukhotherina E. G.
Cand. Sc. (medicine), Associate Professor of the Department of Extreme Medicine, Traumatology, Orthopedics and Military Field Surgery²

Pashayev E. D.
Scientific department of Russian armed forces¹

1S. M. Kirov Military Medical Academy, St. Petersburg, Russia
2St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russia

Samoilov Dmitriy Sergeevich; e-mail: virko-viktor@mail.ru

The study had no sponsorship.

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

The objective of the present study is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the impact of social isolation and loneliness on the physical and mental health, cognitive functions and quality of life of older people. The analysis was based on a comprehensive selection of contemporary scientific publications, encompassing peer-reviewed articles, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, statistical reports from international organizations, and data from longitudinal studies conducted within the last five years. The research methods employed included systematic and comparative literature analysis, content analysis on key aspects (physical, mental and cognitive health) and a critical review with an evaluation of the reliability of the sources. The results of the analysis demonstrated that social isolation is predominantly associated with an objective deterioration in physical health, as indicated by reduced walking speed, cardiovascular disease and mortality. Conversely, loneliness exhibited a more pronounced impact on mental health, manifesting in depression, as well as on cognitive function and subjective perception of quality of life. The findings of the study indicated that factors such as social and economic status, age, and gender function as moderators, thereby amplifying or mitigating the consequences of these effects. The physiological mechanisms of influence were identified as follows: activation of the body's stress systems, chronic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. The conclusion drawn from this research was that social isolation and loneliness are independent risk factors for health deterioration and reduced quality of life in older people. The experience of the pandemic demonstrated that even short-term enforced isolation can have a substantial impact on well-being. The interventions developed (individual support, group activities, educational programs and digital technologies) demonstrate inconsistent effectiveness and require further improvement. The resolution of this issue necessitates the implementation of comprehensive measures within the domains of healthcare, social policy and individual support.

demographic aging, social isolation, loneliness, elderly people, COVID-19 pandemic, interventional strategies

10.29234/2308-9113-2025-13-4-42-56

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