The book Macro Social Influences on Loneliness in Later Life. Towards a Better Understanding of the Loneliness Paradox in Europe has recently been published by Springer Publishers. One of the editors is NOVA researcher Marja Aartsen at OsloMet.
Macro perspective on loneliness
"The book is a counterpart to the dominant micro-level approach to loneliness," says Aartsen.
"Often we only talk about individual risk factors, such as loss of loved ones, reduced functional ability or little social contact.”
It's important, but it doesn't explain everything. She points out that society and surroundings also play a role.
"Our lives do not take place in a vacuum but are connected to other people's lives and to what is happening in society.”
According to Aartsen, there has been little attention paid to the social impacts. The book brings together European research on what are called meso- and macro-social conditions.
The elderly are most lonely. However, loneliness is also prevalent among young people, especially among those between the ages of 18 and 22.– Research Professor Marja Aartsen
One of the chapters is written together with researcher Marian Vasile at the University of Bucharest. They have studied how widespread loneliness is in Europe before and after the pandemic.
Not an epidemic – but young people stand out
The elderly are most lonely. However, research suggests that loneliness is also prevalent among young people, especially among those between the ages of 18 and 22.
"In the media, there is often talk of a 'loneliness epidemic', often explained by increased individualisation and more digital interaction," says Aartsen.
"We compared the incidence in 2014/15 with figures about ten years later. In Europe, we generally do not find support for such an epidemic. For the youngest age group, however, we see an increase. It may be related to the pandemic, but needs to be investigated further," she adds.
What are the risks for lonleiness?
"We conclude that loneliness is affected on several levels: the individual, the local environment as a neighbourhood and social networks, and structurally or culturally – for example, welfare schemes and norms about ageing, being alone or family care," says Aartsen.
Living alone is a risk factor, but the effect is stronger in countries where living alone is uncommon. This contributes to the Nordic countries being among the least lonely in Europe – and in fact also globally. She points out that the Nordic countries have an individualistic culture where autonomy is highly valued.
"We also distinguish between different types of loneliness: social loneliness, when the network is perceived as too small, and emotional loneliness, which is about missing a close partner, even with many friends. The risk factors at the micro, meso, and macro levels vary between types. A universal approach therefore often works poorly," she says.
Workplaces, local communities and authorities can reduce loneliness by building inclusive environments that accommodate diversity.– Marja Aartsen
Norway in the Nordic context
"Norway, along with the other Nordic countries, has a low incidence of loneliness. Possible explanations are the welfare system, free health services and relatively low expectations of what the network should do in crises – many rely on public services," says Aartsen.
"This may change if the family is given a larger role."
Difficult to measure loneliness precisely
"One challenge is that different studies measure loneliness differently. Some ask directly if you feel lonely with the answer alternatives: yes, no, sometimes. Then we let people define the term themselves, which makes comparisons across groups and countries difficult," she says.
In some countries, admitting loneliness is taboo, and researchers may therefore underestimate its prevalence. Other studies use indirect questions, such as "There is always someone I can turn to in case of problems". It can capture different types of loneliness, but there is debate about which questions best measure the phenomenon.
Aartsen emphasizes that we need thorough goal evaluations to ensure that the tools are as "culture-free" as possible – i.e. equally sensitive across groups. We also need to clearly distinguish between types of loneliness. The causes vary, and measures must be tailored.
Action: from the individual to the neighbourhood and community
"The causes lie not only with the individual, but also in neighbourhoods and society. Workplaces, local communities and authorities can reduce loneliness by building inclusive environments that accommodate diversity," says Aartsen.
This applies in particular to immigrants, people who are excluded for various reasons, and those who cannot participate socially due to health or finances.
"For the individual, it is about building sustainable networks with different types of people who can fill different roles: listening, providing emotional support and helping practically. The need for belonging is particularly strong among young people, where peer pressure is often greater than among older adults.
"The main point is simple: Loneliness is not just a personal problem, but a responsibility for the community. And measures must be adapted to the type of loneliness.
Reference
Vasile, M. & Aartsen, M. (2025). Loneliness Prevalence in Different Age Groups in Europe. In: Aartsen, M., Precupetu, I. & Suanet, B. (eds.). Macro Social Influences on Loneliness in Later Life. Towards a Better Understanding of the Loneliness Paradox in Europe (springer.com)
Read more about the research in the Department for Ageing Research and Housing Studies at NOVA.
