Loneliness: A Public Health Crisis – Part 2: Demographic Disparities in Loneliness
In Loneliness: A Public Health Crisis on a Mental Health Revolution, FTI Consulting experts delve into the pervasive impact of loneliness, examining its physical, psychological, and societal dimensions. The series aims to illuminate the nuanced challenges of loneliness and advocate for collaborative, targeted interventions to combat its effects and foster stronger, more connected communities. Our first installment of the series explored loneliness as a global challenge and its profound effects on mental and physical health, and its growing recognition among global policymakers. This installment focuses on how loneliness affects and manifests in different age groups in unique ways, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address its root causes.
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Loneliness is universal, striking both the young and old with equal force. Though it manifests differently—fueled by social comparison and digital disconnection in young people and driven by isolation and loss in the elderly— it does not discriminate by age, taking a lasting toll on mental and physical health. Understanding these patterns is key to addressing the crisis at its root.
Youth and Young Adults
Younger generations, particularly younger Millennials and Gen Z, are disproportionately affected by the loneliness epidemic.1The rise of digital interactions, such as social media, gaming, and other platforms, has reduced opportunities for meaningful connections. Adults under 30 are the most active social media users, and studies show this usage increases loneliness, especially when the internet becomes an escape from real life.2,3 Social media also fuels unrealistic comparisons around wealth, success, and body image, damaging self-esteem and deepening isolation.4 During the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation and increased internet usage led to 50.8% of young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 reporting feelings of loneliness.5 In comparison, the rate of reported loneliness in the general population was around 30.9%.6
Young adult men are particularly affected by the loneliness epidemic with 15% of American men claiming they have no close friends, a statistic that has quintupled since 1990.7 A 2023 survey found that nearly half of young American men find virtual connections “more engaging and rewarding” than real-life interactions, leaving them socially disconnected.8 Men ages 18-23 reported the lowest optimism for the future and the weakest social support networks.9 Meanwhile, as women make significant strides in education and the workforce—now outnumbering men in the college-educated labor force—many men feel left behind.10 This could be a contributing factor as to why over half of American men argue that “men have it harder than women” in the country.11
Economic instability as a factor in the young adult loneliness epidemic is not unique to men.12 Younger Millennials and Gen Z as a whole are experiencing job insecurity and housing challenges, which disrupts traditional milestones like home ownership and stable career paths and contributes to uncertainty and loneliness.13 Chronic loneliness in young adults often manifests in mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and an increased risk of self-harm, as well as physical health issues, like immune deficiency and poor sleep.14 These problems can reduce productivity, disrupt career trajectories, and reproduce a cycle of loneliness that can be difficult to break.
Older Adults
At the other end of the age spectrum, older adults face significant social isolation due to various life changes, including physical or cognitive decline, geographic separation from family, or the loss of long-standing relationships.15 These challenges often compound over time, leaving many older individuals disconnected from their communities and struggling with a profound sense of loneliness.
Loneliness in older adults is a proven risk factor for chronic illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline.16 The stress caused by prolonged loneliness activates physiological responses in the body, including elevated cortisol levels, which contribute to systemic inflammation and strain on the cardiovascular system.17 These biological effects can exacerbate existing health conditions and accelerate the aging process. The mental health toll is equally concerning. Loneliness fuels depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairments, including memory loss and a heightened risk of dementia.18 For older adults, these challenges often occur in tandem with other life stressors, such as losing a spouse or transitioning to assisted living, further entrenching feelings of isolation.
The cycle of loneliness is difficult to break without deliberate interventions. Older adults experiencing social isolation often lack access to resources that foster meaningful connections. Mobility issues, limited transportation options, and digital divides can make it challenging for them to engage with their communities or maintain relationships.19
Conclusion
Loneliness is a public health crisis that transcends age. For younger generations, the digital age and economic instability have created new forms of isolation, while older adults face the compounded effects of physical decline and loss. The health toll—mental, physical, and emotional—is undeniable and often devastating. However, it’s not a challenge we are powerless to address.
While community-driven initiatives, like intergenerational activities and youth mentoring programs, show promise in bridging these gaps, addressing loneliness requires a multi-faceted approach.20,21 Governmental policies should play a vital role, from incorporating loneliness screenings into regular healthcare visits to creating incentives for businesses to prioritize mental health in the workplace. 22 Policymakers can also support affordable housing initiatives and workforce development programs to address economic instability—two key factors contributing to young adults’ sense of isolation. Additionally, investments in digital literacy can ensure that technology is used to foster, not replace, meaningful connection for both young and old populations.
By prioritizing early intervention, providing resources across various sectors, and fostering deeper connections at every stage of life, we can begin to disrupt the loneliness cycle for good. Tackling this epidemic demands collaboration and creativity—from healthcare providers to policymakers to communities. It’s time to stop treating loneliness as a side effect of modern life and confront it head-on, creating a future where connection, not isolation, thrives.
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About the Series
In the “Loneliness: A Public Health Crisis on a Mental Health Revolution” thought series, FTI Consulting experts delve into the pervasive impact of loneliness, examining its physical, psychological, and societal dimensions. The series aims to illuminate the nuanced challenges of loneliness and advocate for collaborative, targeted interventions to combat its effects and foster stronger, more connected communities. The first installment explores loneliness as a global challenge and its profound effects on mental and physical health, and its growing recognition among global policymakers. The second installment focuses on how loneliness impacts different age groups, highlighting the male loneliness epidemic that is growing by the minute. The third installment highlights the geography of loneliness and how the urban and rural divide contributed to the feeling of isolation. The fourth installment discusses the socioeconomic impact of loneliness and how it’s both a symptom and a consequence of economic instability. The final installment explores solutions to address the loneliness epidemic. See all insights in the series here.
The views expressed herein are those of the author(s) and not necessarily the views of FTI Consulting, Inc., its management, its subsidiaries, its affiliates, or its other professionals.
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[1] Hurman Ali-Shah, Mowafa Househ, “Understanding Loneliness in Younger People: Review of the Opportunities and Challenges for Loneliness Interventions,” Interactive Journal of Medical Research (November 2, 2023), https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10654910/
[2] Jeffrey Gottfried, “Americans’ Social Media Use,” Pew Research Center (January 31, 2024), https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2024/01/31/americans-social-media-use/#:~:text=Age%20gaps%20are%20especially%20large,65%20and%20older%20(15%25)
[3] Andrew P. Smith and Hasah Alheneidi, “The Internet and Loneliness,” AMA Journal of Ethics (November 2023), https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/internet-and-loneliness/2023-11
[4] Lavinia Maria Pop, Magdalena Iorga, Raluca Iurcov, “Body-Esteem, Self-Esteem and Loneliness among Social Media Young Users,” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Volume 19: Issue 9 (April 21, 2022), https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9104843/
[5] See supra note 1.
[6] Ibid.
[7] Cox, Daniel, “The State of American Friendship: Change, Challenges, and Loss,” Survey Center of American Life (June 8, 2021), https://www.americansurveycenter.org/research/the-state-of-american-friendship-change-challenges-and-loss/
[8] Barker, G., Hayes, C, Heilman, B., & Reichert, M., “The State of American Men: From crisis and confusion to hope,” Equimundo (2023), https://www.equimundo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/STATE-OF-AMERICAN-MEN-2023.pdf
[9] Ibid.
[10] Richard Fry, “Women now outnumber men in the U.S. college-educated labor force,” Pew Research Center (September 26, 2022), https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2022/09/26/women-now-outnumber-men-in-the-u-s-college-educated-labor-force/
[11] See supra note 8.
[12] Paul Taylor, Kim Parker, Rakesh Kochhar, Richard Fry, Cary Funk, Eileen Patten, Seth Motel, “Chapter 3: How Today’s Economy is Affecting Young Adults,” Pew Research Center (February 9, 2012), https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2012/02/09/chapter-3-how-todays-economy-is-affecting-young-adults/
[13] N. Morrish, A. Medina-Lara, ”Does unemployment lead to greater levels of loneliness? A systematic review,” Social Science & Medicine Volume 287 (October 2021), https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277953621006717
[14] Sam Fardghassemi, Helene Joffe, ” The causes of loneliness: The perspective of young adults in London’s most deprived areas”, Plos One Volume 17: Issue 4 (April 6, 2022), https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8985970/#:~:text=The%20experience%20of%20loneliness%20has,conditions%20%5B8%E2%80%9313%5D
[15] “Suicide and Older Adults: What You Should Know,” National Council on Aging (January 3, 2025), https://www.ncoa.org/article/suicide-and-older-adults-what-you-should-know/
[16] Meeri Kim, “Loneliness can increase the risk for dementia, a large study shows,” The Washington Post (November 14, 2024), https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/11/14/loneliness-dementia-risk/
[17] Leah D. Doane, Emma K Adam, ” Loneliness and Cortisol: Momentary, Day-to-day, and Trait Associations”, Psychoneurodocrinology (Septemer 9, 2009), https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2841363/
[18] “Social isolation, loneliness in older people pose health risks,” National Institute on Aging (April 23, 2019), https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks
[19] “Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for the Health Care System,” National Library of Medicine (February, 27, 2020), https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557966/
[20] Jie Kie Phang, Yu Heng Kwan, Sungwon Yoon, Hendra Goh, Wan Qi Yee, Chuen Seng Tan, Lian Leng Low, “Digital Intergenerational Program to Reduce Loneliness and Social Isolation Among Older Adults: Realist Review,” JMIR Aging (January 4, 2023), https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9850285/
[21] Westley Fallavollita, “The Challenges and Opportunity to Support Youth Loneliness and Social Isolation Through Community-Based Mentoring,” National Mentoring Resource Center (November 29, 2023), https://nationalmentoringresourcecenter.org/blog/the-challenges-and-opportunity-to-support-youth-loneliness-and-social-isolation-through-community-based-mentoring/
[22] See supra note 19.
