An 'Epidemic of Loneliness' in America? Maybe Not

Two studies in Psychology and Aging found seniors feel no more lonely than those from earlier generations despite media-promulgated suggestions of a "loneliness epidemic," reports U.S. News & World Report . The U.S.- and Netherlands-based studies acknowledged that loneliness tends to be more profound after age 75 or so, yet modern older adults are no more likely to feel isolated or lacking in companionship than previous generations. The Dutch study found seniors may actually be less lonely now, because they tend to have more self-confidence and a sense of control over their lives. Assumptions of a loneliness epidemic among seniors are based on societal shifts like contracting family sizes, divorce, and less participation in religious and civic organizations. However, Louise Hawkley with the University of Chicago's National Opinion Research Center said these changes do not necessarily translate to more feelings of loneliness. According to the U.S. study , baby boomers' feelings of loneliness seems to be similar to the previous generation. George Mason University's James Maddux found the Dutch study especially interesting by citing the variables of self-efficacy and mastery over one's life, which together may cushion older adults against loneliness.