Beware the “loneliness gap”? Examining emerging inequalities and long‐term risks of loneliness and isolation emerging from COVID‐19

Abstract

Emerging evidence suggests COVID lockdowns have not only increased the social problem of loneliness but widened the ‘loneliness gap’ between the most and least lonely people. Qualitative investigation can reveal why this gap might have increased, for whom, and whether the loneliness gap will remain long term. Using multi‐wave qualitative survey data conducted during Australia’s 2020 lockdown period and beyond, we examine personal experiences of interaction transitioning out of lockdown. We find substantial and uneven impacts of COVID lasting well beyond lockdown. Participants reported heightened loneliness attributable to: physical isolation, health anxieties, ceased activities, reduced connection quality, and poor motivation. COVID also created new interactive difficulties for singles, those with physical and mental disabilities, their carers, and those with low social capital. There was also reported ‘pruning’ of social networks (i.e. reduced bridging, increased bonding social capital), and evidence that increased digital interaction did not substitute for lost physical contact. Younger people also experienced isolating COVID‐induced life disruptions (e.g. travel, university attendance etc). Findings suggest COVID has increased potential long‐term inequalities in loneliness, highlight the post COVID risks faced by vulnerable groups, and suggest caution in advocating digital solutions as a panacea for diminished physical interaction in the post‐pandemic world.

Loneliness in older primary care patients and its relationship to physical and mental health‐related quality of life

“…47 Studies hypothesize that this may be due, in part, to factors such as smaller social networks due to "pruning" during the pandemic and to postpandemic health-related social anxiety. 48 Addressing loneliness in the primary care setting is necessary because it provides an important point of contact for older adults, especially for those who are lonelyolder adults visit primary care between 5 and 6 times a year, on average, and those who are lonely average one additional visit per year. 49 Further, studies have found that older adults generally appreciate discussing social risks with their doctor 50 and report no discomfort with such screenings.…”

“…Feeling lonely in 2023 is now less common than during the height of the pandemic, but rates remain substantially higher than during pre‐pandemic times with over one third of older adults reporting loneliness as of January 2023 47 . Studies hypothesize that this may be due, in part, to factors such as smaller social networks due to “pruning” during the pandemic and to post‐pandemic health‐related social anxiety 48 …”

Social isolation and social connectedness among young adult cancer survivors: A systematic review

“…During the height of the pandemic, social isolation and loneliness increased for society at large 79–83 and for cancer survivors in particular 84 . Emerging research suggests that the negative social implications of the pandemic may be long‐lasting 85 . In one study conducted during the early stages of the pandemic, some YAs reported that increased social isolation enabled time for recovery, reflection, peace, and quiet 66 .…”

“…84 Emerging research suggests that the negative social implications of the pandemic may be longlasting. 85 In one study conducted during the early stages of the pandemic, some YAs reported that increased social isolation enabled time for recovery, reflection, peace, and quiet. 66 It is possible that the adjusted social expectations during this period may have reduced pressure to gather with friends and that the cancer experience was less isolating when more people, regardless of health status, were isolated.…”

The Social Determinants of Loneliness During COVID-19: Personal, Community, and Societal Predictors and Implications for Treatment

“…Others included being male and having experienced stressful life events in the year prior to COVID-19, such as divorce or natural disaster or couples living with children, compared to those living without. Other research has reflected on the added pressures of parenting and home learning during COVID-19 and resulting social impairment and mental ill-health (Calear et al, 2022) and of adult children when pandemic-related job loss meant moving back home with ageing parents (Patulny & Bower, 2022). Although not examined explicitly, one can imagine such added responsibilities in living environment may impact one's resilience and control.…”