Improve Your Mood & Emotional Wellbeing
Social Connection and Loneliness
Loneliness is the distressing feeling of being alone or cut off from other people, and it can happen with or without people around you. Research suggests that what helps most is more than simply seeing people more often: it also involves how we think about and relate to others, and lasting loneliness with low mood deserves professional support.
General information, not medical advice. Last updated October 31, 2026. Written by the AlternativeMed editorial team. Not medically reviewed.
Start here
- Pick one person you already know and set a small, regular contact (a call, text, card or walk) in your calendar this week.
- Choose one shared activity you enjoy, such as a class, hobby group, walking club, volunteering role or faith or community group, and go once.
- If you feel lonely a lot of the time, or your mood has been low for 2 weeks or more, tell a doctor or another health professional.
Be careful with
- Loneliness is a feeling, not a diagnosis, but it can go along with low mood or depression. Persistent low mood, loss of interest, or any thoughts of harming yourself need a doctor or crisis line now, not later.
- Do not use alcohol, cigarettes, gambling or drugs to ease loneliness; the NHS lists them among things that can contribute to poor mental health.
- St. John's wort and other herbal mood products are not a treatment for loneliness and can interact dangerously with medicines. Ask a pharmacist or doctor first, and never stop a prescribed medicine on your own.
Get help when
- Low mood that lasts 2 weeks or more, loss of enjoyment in life, or feeling hopeless: see a doctor. In the UK you can refer yourself to NHS talking therapies if you are 18 or over.
- Any thoughts of suicide or of harming yourself: in the United States call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24 hours) or call 911 in an emergency; in the UK, Samaritans is on 116 123.
- Loneliness or isolation is making everyday tasks such as cooking, taking medicine, paying bills or driving harder.
- You are caring for someone who is unwell, have lost someone close, or are living alone with memory loss and have no regular visitor.
About Social Connection and Loneliness
What this goal means
Loneliness is the distressing feeling of being alone or separated. Social isolation is having few social contacts and few people to interact with regularly. They are different but related: you can live alone and not feel lonely, and you can feel lonely while with other people.
This goal is about easing the feeling of loneliness and rebuilding a sense of connection. Relationship and social-skills work has its own page (see Feel More Connected to Others), and big life changes such as grief or a move are covered under Cope With Difficult Life Changes.
1What loneliness can feel like
NIA describes the emotional pain of loneliness and notes that someone with long-lasting loneliness may feel threatened and mistrustful of others. It can also come with too little exercise, drinking too much alcohol, smoking and poor sleep.
In a US study of adults over 60, 43% said they felt lonely (feeling left out, isolated or lacking companionship at least some of the time). Loneliness is common and nothing to be ashamed of.
1,2Why it matters for health
NIA says studies show loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher risks for health problems such as heart disease, depression and cognitive decline. A meta-analytic review pooling studies from 1980 to 2014 found average increases in the likelihood of death of 29% for social isolation, 26% for loneliness and 32% for living alone; the authors said the influence is comparable with well-established risk factors for mortality.
A review of longitudinal studies found that adults who were often lonely had higher odds of developing depression later (pooled odds ratio 2.33), though the authors urged caution because the studies differed a lot.
Be careful with what this means. These are observational studies: they show association, not that loneliness causes illness. In the mortality review, initial health status influenced the findings, and people in poor health may be more likely to be isolated or lonely.
1,3,4Who is at higher risk
NIA lists these risk factors: loss of mobility, vision or hearing problems, psychological or cognitive challenges, feeling a lack of purpose, financial struggles, living alone, lack of transportation, being unable to leave home without help, a major life change such as the death of a family member or retirement, separation from friends or family, lack of social support, caring for a loved one who is unwell, living in a rural, unsafe or hard-to-reach neighbourhood, discrimination, and language barriers.
Hearing loss in particular can make conversations hard and lead to withdrawal.
1Realistic expectations
Studies of interventions report mostly small to medium effects. A 2022 review of randomized trials in adults 65 and over (70 studies, 8,259 participants) found most interventions had a small effect and rated the overall quality of evidence very low. A review of trials of psychological interventions across all ages (28 studies in the meta-analysis, 3,039 people) found a small to medium average effect (g = 0.43), with a lot of difference between studies.
So expect gradual change rather than a quick fix, and expect that what works for one person may not work for another.
5,6Who this applies to
Anyone who feels lonely or has few people to turn to, at any age. Many of the studies we read focus on older adults, but the mortality review found social deficits were more predictive of death in samples with an average age under 65, and the psychological therapy review included people of all ages.
3,6Related conditions and symptoms
Anxiety disorders → Panic attacks → Trauma-related stress and PTSD → Stress, anxiety, burnout and depression: how they differ → Mild cognitive impairment and dementia →
A manageable starting plan
An educational starting point, not a personal prescription. Adjust it to your own situation and any advice from your clinician.
Your first actions
- Name it: tell one trusted person, or a doctor, that you have been feeling lonely.
- Set one regular contact with someone you know (a weekly call or walk).
- Try one shared-interest group or volunteering role, and go three times before judging it.
- Keep regular sleep, meals and some daily movement.
Optional additions
- Learn video chat or messaging at a library or community centre class.
- Ask about a hearing or vision check if conversations are hard.
- Consider talking therapy or a mindfulness course if unhelpful thoughts about others keep you away.
- If you can care for one, think about a pet; if not, find ways to spend time with animals.
What to track
- How lonely you felt each week on a simple 1 to 5 scale.
- How many times you had contact you enjoyed (not just how many contacts).
- Your mood, sleep and energy, and anything that got in the way.
When to reassess
Review after about 4 to 6 weeks. If you feel no less lonely, change the type of activity or add support from a counsellor or doctor. If your mood has been low for 2 weeks or more at any point, see a doctor then, not later.
When to seek professional support
- Loneliness or isolation is making daily tasks harder.
- Low mood for more than 2 weeks, loss of enjoyment, or feeling hopeless.
- Any thoughts of suicide or harming yourself: call or text 988 in the US (or 911 for immediate danger); in the UK call Samaritans on 116 123.
What helps
Ordered by how well the research supports each step. Evidence strength is shown on every card; precautions sit next to the advice.
Start here
Work on the thoughts and feelings that keep loneliness going
Moderate certaintyAddresses: Targets how loneliness is experienced, not only how many people you see
Why it may help: A meta-analysis of loneliness interventions found that among randomized trials the most successful ones addressed maladaptive social cognition, meaning unhelpful ways of reading and expecting social situations. A later review of 28 randomized trials of psychological interventions (most often cognitive behavioural therapy) found they reduced loneliness more than comparison groups, with a small to medium effect.
How to apply it: Notice thoughts such as 'they don't want me there' or 'I will be a burden', and test them gently against what actually happens. A therapist, or a self-help programme guided by one, can help. Group-based weekly formats were common in the trials.
Who it may suit: Adults who feel lonely even when they have contact with others, or who avoid people out of worry.
Precautions: Trials were of mixed quality and results varied widely. If low mood or anxiety is also present, talk to a doctor or counsellor.
7,6Therapy for anxiety and stress → Feel More Connected to Others →
Schedule small, regular contact with people you already know
Low certaintyAddresses: Keeps existing relationships alive
Why it may help: NIA suggests scheduling time each day to stay in touch with family, friends and neighbours in person, by phone, voice call, text, email, social media or letters, talking with people you trust and sharing your feelings, and suggesting an activity to strengthen a relationship.
How to apply it: Put a recurring call or coffee in your calendar. Send a card. Suggest a simple shared activity such as a walk. Start with one person.
Who it may suit: Most people, especially those who live alone or have recently lost daily contact.
Precautions: This is a practical suggestion from NIA; the trials reviewed here did not test it on its own.
1,5Join a shared-interest activity or group
Low certaintyAddresses: Adds regular, low-pressure company
Why it may help: NIA suggests finding an activity you enjoy, restarting an old hobby, or taking a class, which may help you meet people with similar interests. It also lists walking clubs, community and senior centres, libraries, faith-based groups, and getting involved in a cause.
How to apply it: Choose something you would enjoy even if you met no one, then go on a regular schedule so faces become familiar. Libraries and community centres often list groups.
Who it may suit: People who want company but find it hard to start conversations from scratch.
Precautions: Trial evidence for these suggestions was not reviewed here. If mobility or transport is a barrier, local services may help (see the care guide below).
1Help others: volunteer or join a cause
Low certaintyAddresses: Brings purpose and contact together
Why it may help: NIA says helping others through volunteering helps you feel less lonely and gives a sense of mission and purpose, which is linked to better health.
How to apply it: Pick a role that fits your energy and schedule, such as a community project, a library programme or a faith-based group.
Who it may suit: People who feel they lack purpose or want contact built around a shared task.
Precautions: NIA states this benefit; we did not read a trial measuring it. Start with a small commitment.
1Keep moving, ideally with others
Low certaintyAddresses: Supports mood and sleep while adding company
Why it may help: NIA suggests staying physically active and finding ways to exercise with others, such as a walking club or a friend, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week for adults. The NHS also lists regular exercise as something that may improve mood and help sleep.
How to apply it: Start with short walks and build up. Choose a regular time with a friend or a group.
Who it may suit: Most adults who are able to be active.
Precautions: Check with a doctor before starting new exercise if you have a health condition or have been inactive.
1,8Additional options
Use phone and video calls to stay in touch
Low certaintyAddresses: Keeps contact going when meeting in person is hard
Why it may help: NIA suggests video chat or smart speakers to stay engaged and offers a library or community-centre class if you are not tech-savvy. In the 2022 older-adult review, videoconferencing in long-term care showed a large effect, but the studies varied a lot and the authors said to interpret it with caution.
How to apply it: Set a regular video call with family or friends, or ask a library or community centre for a class on using email and video chat.
Who it may suit: People who live far from loved ones, have limited mobility, or live in long-term care.
Precautions: Treat this as a way to keep relationships going, not a proven cure for loneliness (see the studied-options section).
1,5Spend time with an animal
Very low certaintyAddresses: Comfort and a reason to get up and out
Why it may help: NIA suggests considering a pet if you are able to care for one, as animals can be a source of comfort and may lower stress and blood pressure. In the 2022 review, animal therapy in long-term care had the largest effect on loneliness, but with very high variability, few studies and very low overall quality of evidence.
How to apply it: If you cannot keep a pet, visiting animal programmes, volunteering at a shelter or walking a neighbour's dog (with their agreement) are ways to spend time with animals.
Who it may suit: People who enjoy animals and can care for one safely.
Precautions: Only take on a pet if you can feed, walk and pay for its care; think about allergies and trip risks at home.
1,5Check your hearing and vision
Low certaintyAddresses: Removes a barrier to conversation
Why it may help: NIA says hearing problems can make conversations hard and lead to withdrawal, higher loneliness and, in some people, depression, and that ignored or untreated hearing problems can get worse. It advises talking with a doctor if you think you have a hearing problem.
How to apply it: Book a hearing and vision check if you often miss what people say or avoid gatherings because of it.
Who it may suit: Older adults, and anyone who has started to withdraw because of hearing or vision changes.
Precautions: Treatment choices are for a clinician to discuss with you.
1Take care of the basics: sleep, meals, activity, things you enjoy
Low certaintyAddresses: Steadies mood and energy so reaching out feels easier
Why it may help: NIA advises exercising, eating healthily, getting enough sleep (7 to 9 hours) and pursuing activities you enjoy to help manage stress. The NHS suggests regular meals to keep energy steady, small achievable targets, and not telling yourself you are alone because most people feel low sometimes and support is available.
How to apply it: Set one small target a day. Keep regular meals and a regular sleep time.
Who it may suit: Anyone feeling low on energy or drive.
Precautions: General self-care advice from NIA and the NHS, not a loneliness trial. It does not replace help when mood stays low.
1,8Still being studied
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (an 8-week course)
Low certaintyAddresses: Lower loneliness scores in older adults
Why it may help: In a small randomized trial of 40 older adults, an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction programme reduced loneliness compared with a wait-list group, and the group also showed lower activity of inflammation-related genes; the trend for a blood marker of inflammation was not statistically significant.
How to apply it: Courses are run by trained teachers, locally or online. Ask about cost and what the course involves.
Who it may suit: Adults who would like a structured, skills-based group.
Precautions: One small, early trial. Not a replacement for care if mood is low.
9Digital technology programmes aimed at loneliness
Not enough evidenceAddresses: Mixed to no clear benefit so far
Why it may help: A systematic review of digital technology interventions in adults, using only studies with follow-up of at least 3 months, pooled five trials (646 participants in all six studies) and found no statistically significant difference from usual care or non-digital programmes at 3, 4 or 6 months. The authors said there was no evidence supporting their effectiveness and called for larger, longer trials.
How to apply it: Use technology to connect with real people you care about, rather than expecting an app alone to solve loneliness.
Who it may suit: People considering apps or online programmes.
Precautions: Evidence was of very low to moderate quality, with few studies.
10Food & nutrition
Eating and drinking when you feel lonely
We did not find trials of foods, diets or nutrients for loneliness that we could verify, so we do not list any food as a treatment.
General guidance from the NHS and NIA is to eat healthily with regular meals to keep energy steady, and to limit alcohol. Eating regularly can make it easier to get out and see people.
If shared meals appeal to you, a lunch club, a potluck or cooking with a neighbour can be a way to combine a basic need with company. This is a practical idea, not a tested treatment.
8,1Remedies & supplements
Traditional use, laboratory findings and human trials are kept apart. "Natural" does not mean safe.
St. John's wort
Not enough evidenceStudied form and route: Herbal extract taken by mouth, studied for depression rather than loneliness
Intended outcome: Not studied for loneliness. Studied for mild or moderate depression.
Human evidence: NCCIH says St. John's wort appears more effective than a placebo and as effective as standard antidepressant medicines for mild or moderate depression, and that it is uncertain whether this holds for severe depression or for periods longer than 12 weeks. It reports insufficient evidence for other conditions. We found no trial in lonely people.
Traditional use: Long used in herbal traditions; we did not read a source describing specific traditional uses.
Laboratory findings: None read.
Limits: Loneliness is not depression, and a herb will not create social connection. Evidence relates to depression, not loneliness.
Interactions and precautions: NCCIH says it has been clearly shown to interact in dangerous, sometimes life-threatening ways with a variety of medicines. Taking it with certain antidepressants or other drugs that affect serotonin may cause serious side effects. It may be unsafe in pregnancy, and infants of breastfeeding mothers who take it can have colic, drowsiness and lethargy. Do not use it in place of care, and do not stop any prescribed medicine on your own. Talk with a pharmacist or doctor first.
11Therapies & care
Established care starts with telling a doctor or another health professional how you feel. This page does not recommend medicines or doses, and you should never stop a prescribed medicine on your own. Loneliness is not a diagnosis, but it can go along with low mood.
Talking to a doctor or health professional
Low certaintyProfessional care NIA suggests telling a doctor or other health care professional if you feel lonely or isolated a lot of the time, and sharing major changes or losses. The NHS advises seeing a GP if low mood has lasted more than 2 weeks, you are struggling to cope, or what you are trying is not helping.
Who it may suit: Anyone lonely much of the time, or with low mood.
Precautions: If you are thinking about suicide or are in crisis, use a crisis line or emergency number now (see the safety section).
1,8,12Psychological therapy, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Moderate certaintyTalking therapy A systematic review of randomized trials found psychological interventions, most commonly CBT and mostly group-based, face-to-face and weekly, reduced loneliness compared with control groups (small to medium effect, g = 0.43), with considerable differences between studies. In the UK, adults can refer themselves to NHS talking therapies.
Who it may suit: Adults whose loneliness is tangled with worry, low mood or avoidance of people.
Precautions: Quality of included trials was mixed. A therapist can match the approach to your situation.
6,7,8Community and older-adult support services
Low certaintySupport services In the United States, the Eldercare Locator (800-677-1116) connects people to local agencies and community organizations that support older adults. NIA also suggests home- and community-based services, Area Agencies on Aging, and, for people living alone with dementia, a trusted person as emergency contact and a memory cafe. The NHS mentions peer support, where people use their experiences to help each other.
Who it may suit: Older adults, carers, people with mobility or transport barriers, and people living alone with memory loss.
Precautions: Services differ by area; ask a local agency, library or community centre.
1,8What to avoid
Habits, products and claims that can get in the way. Never stop a prescribed medicine without talking to the professional who prescribed it.
Risks that apply to most people
Waiting it out alone when low mood lasts
Moderate certaintyWhy: The NHS says a low mood that lasts 2 weeks or more could be a sign of depression, and advises seeing a GP if low mood has lasted more than 2 weeks, if you are struggling to cope, or if things you try yourself are not helping. NIA likewise advises telling a doctor if you feel lonely or isolated a lot of the time.
Who it applies to: Anyone who feels lonely much of the time or whose mood has stayed low.
Try instead: Tell a doctor or another health professional early. In the UK, adults can refer themselves to NHS talking therapies.
8,1Trying to fix everything at once
Low certaintyWhy: The NHS advises not trying to do everything at once and setting small targets that you can easily achieve.
Who it applies to: Anyone starting to rebuild contact.
Try instead: Aim for one small connection a week and build from there.
8Telling yourself that you are alone in this
Low certaintyWhy: The NHS suggests trying not to tell yourself you are alone, as most people feel low sometimes and support is available. In one US study, 43% of adults over 60 reported feeling lonely, so it is common.
Who it applies to: Anyone who feels ashamed of being lonely.
Try instead: Tell someone you trust how you feel; consider peer support, where people use their experiences to help each other.
8,2Personal triggers to check
Major life changes
Low certaintyWhy: NIA lists a major life change, such as the death of a family member or retirement, separation from friends or family, and caring for a loved one who is unwell as risk factors for loneliness and isolation.
Who it applies to: People who have lost someone, retired, moved or become a carer.
Try instead: Plan contact deliberately during and after the change, and ask for support.
1Hearing, vision or mobility problems and lack of transport
Low certaintyWhy: NIA lists loss of mobility, vision or hearing problems, lack of transportation and being unable to leave home without help as risk factors.
Who it applies to: Older adults and people with disabilities.
Try instead: Ask about hearing and vision checks, transport help and home- and community-based services.
1Hearing and vision changes → Maintaining independence as you age →
Feeling a lack of purpose, money worries or discrimination
Low certaintyWhy: NIA lists a lack of purpose, financial struggles, language barriers and discrimination (age, race or ethnicity, sexual orientation) as factors that may increase the risk.
Who it applies to: Anyone facing these pressures.
Try instead: Look for local services, community groups, and activities that give purpose, and talk to someone about what you face.
1Products that need caution
Alcohol, cigarettes, gambling or drugs to ease loneliness
Low certaintyWhy: The NHS says these can all contribute to poor mental health, and NIA notes lonely or isolated people may drink too much alcohol, smoke and sleep poorly.
Who it applies to: Anyone tempted to numb loneliness.
Try instead: Talk to a doctor if you are relying on them; choose a regular activity or call instead.
8,1St. John's wort and other herbal mood products
Not enough evidenceWhy: NCCIH says St. John's wort has been clearly shown to interact in dangerous, sometimes life-threatening ways with a variety of medicines, including some antidepressants. It has been studied for mild or moderate depression, not loneliness, and may be unsafe in pregnancy.
Who it applies to: Anyone considering herbal mood products, especially people taking any prescribed medicine.
Try instead: Ask a pharmacist or doctor before using any herb or supplement. Do not use herbs in place of care for low mood.
11Unsupported claims
'Loneliness only affects older people'
Moderate certaintyWhy: The mortality review found social deficits were more predictive of death in samples with an average age under 65, and the psychological therapy review included people of all ages.
Who it applies to: Anyone, at any age.
Try instead: Take loneliness seriously whatever your age.
3,6'Loneliness is the same as living alone'
High certaintyWhy: NIA says you can live alone and not feel lonely, and you can feel lonely while with other people.
Who it applies to: Anyone judging loneliness by household size.
Try instead: Ask how connected you feel, not only how many people are around.
1'Loneliness is proven to cause early death or disease'
Moderate certaintyWhy: The research is observational. The authors of the mortality review noted that initial health status influenced the findings, and NIA says people in poor health may be more likely to be lonely.
Who it applies to: Anyone worried by headlines.
Try instead: Treat the numbers as a reason to act on connection, not as a prediction for you.
3,1'An app or online programme will fix loneliness'
Low certaintyWhy: A systematic review found no evidence that digital technology programmes reduced loneliness more than usual care in older adults.
Who it applies to: People considering technology-only solutions.
Try instead: Use technology to reach real people.
10Common mistakes
Counting contacts instead of connection
Low certaintyWhy: A meta-analysis reviewed four strategies (social skills, social support, more opportunities for contact, and addressing unhelpful social thinking); among randomized trials the most successful addressed unhelpful social thinking, not simply more contact.
Who it applies to: Anyone who joins many groups yet still feels lonely.
Try instead: Pay attention to how safe and understood you feel, and consider talking therapy if loneliness persists.
7Keeping losses and stresses from your doctor
Low certaintyWhy: NIA suggests telling your doctor about major changes such as a divorce or the death of a loved one, because a doctor who knows about your losses can better understand how you are feeling.
Who it applies to: Anyone seeing a clinician while lonely.
Try instead: Share what is happening in your life, not only physical symptoms.
1Evidence & safety
What the research shows
Loneliness and social isolation are associated with poorer health in observational studies, but those studies cannot prove cause. Trials of interventions mostly show small effects. Psychological therapy, especially approaches that address unhelpful social thinking, has the clearest support; digital programmes, animal contact and mindfulness courses have thin or mixed evidence; practical suggestions such as shared activities, volunteering and staying in touch come mainly from NIA guidance rather than trials.
Limits of the evidence
- Mortality and mental-health associations come from observational studies; poor health can lead to loneliness as well as follow from it.
- The 2022 older-adult review rated overall quality of evidence very low; the largest effects (animal therapy, videoconferencing in long-term care) came from few studies with high variability.
- The psychological therapy review showed considerable heterogeneity, and trials were of mixed quality.
- The mindfulness trial included only 40 older adults.
- We found no trials of foods, supplements or herbs for loneliness.
- Most trials measure loneliness by questionnaire, and results may not match how you feel.
Precautions and interactions
- Herbs and supplements can interact with medicines; ask a pharmacist or doctor first.
- Do not stop a prescribed medicine without speaking to your prescriber.
- Be careful with alcohol, cigarettes, gambling or drugs as a way to cope.
Life-stage considerations
- Older adults: mobility, hearing, vision and memory problems, lack of transport and loss of friends or family raise risk; NIA suggests a trusted emergency contact and community services for people living alone with dementia.
- Younger adults: loneliness is not limited to older age; the mortality review found social deficits were more predictive in samples with an average age under 65.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: St. John's wort may be unsafe in pregnancy and can affect breastfed infants (NCCIH); ask a doctor before using any herb.
- Children and teenagers: we did not read a source specific to this age group; speak to a doctor, school counsellor or other professional if a young person is persistently lonely or withdrawn.
Warning signs
- Low mood lasting 2 weeks or more, loss of enjoyment, feeling hopeless, or trouble concentrating.
- Thoughts of suicide or of harming yourself: seek help now (988 in the US; Samaritans 116 123 in the UK; emergency number for immediate danger).
- Difficulty with cooking, taking medicines, paying bills or driving because of isolation.
- Increasing reliance on alcohol or other substances.
Claim checks
Loneliness is just a feeling, so it does not matter for health.
Moderate certaintyNot supported. It is associated with health risks, though the evidence is observational.
1,3Living alone means you are lonely.
High certaintyNot supported. You can live alone and not feel lonely, and feel lonely among people.
1Most loneliness programmes work well.
Low certaintyPartly supported. Most had small effects and the overall quality of evidence was very low in older adults.
5,6A herb or supplement can treat loneliness.
Not enough evidenceNot supported. We found no trials, and St. John's wort carries serious medicine-interaction risks.
11Questions people ask
What is the difference between loneliness and social isolation?
Loneliness is the distressing feeling of being alone or separated. Social isolation is having few social contacts and few people to interact with regularly. You can live alone and not feel lonely, and you can feel lonely while with other people.
Is loneliness a serious health risk?
A meta-analysis described the influence of social isolation on mortality as comparable with well-established risk factors for mortality. The data are observational, so they show association rather than proof of cause.
Can I be lonely even with family around?
Yes. Loneliness is a feeling and can occur around people.
What activities help?
Trials found small effects overall. NIA suggests activities such as volunteering, hobbies, classes, walking groups, staying in touch regularly and, if you can care for one, a pet. Psychological therapy that addresses unhelpful social thinking had the clearest support in trials.
Do apps and online programmes help with loneliness?
A systematic review of digital technology interventions in older adults found no evidence that they reduced loneliness more than usual care. Technology can still help you keep in touch with people you care about.
Can loneliness lead to depression?
A review of longitudinal studies found adults who were often lonely had higher odds of later developing depression, but the authors urged caution because the studies differed. If low mood lasts 2 weeks or more, see a doctor.
Where can I find local services in the United States?
The Eldercare Locator connects people to local agencies and community organizations that support older adults: 800-677-1116.
Should I take St. John's wort for loneliness?
It has not been studied for loneliness, and NCCIH reports it can interact dangerously with a variety of medicines. Ask a pharmacist or doctor first and never use it in place of care.
When should I get help?
Tell a doctor if you feel lonely or isolated a lot of the time, if your mood has been low for 2 weeks or more, or if loneliness is making everyday tasks harder. If you are thinking about suicide, call or text 988 in the US, call Samaritans on 116 123 in the UK, or use your local emergency number.
References
- National Institute on Aging. Loneliness and Social Isolation: Tips for Staying Connected (content reviewed July 11, 2024). Read 2026-10-31. source
- Perissinotto CM, Stijacic Cenzer I, Covinsky KE. Loneliness in older persons: a predictor of functional decline and death. Arch Intern Med. 2012 (PMID 22710744). Read 2026-10-31. source
- Holt-Lunstad J, Smith TB, Baker M, Harris T, Stephenson D. Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality: a meta-analytic review. Perspect Psychol Sci. 2015 (PMID 25910392). Read 2026-10-31. source
- Mann F, Wang J, Pearce E, et al. Loneliness and the onset of new mental health problems in the general population. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2022 (PMID 35583561). Read 2026-10-31. source
- Hoang P, King JA, Moore S, et al. Interventions associated with reduced loneliness and social isolation in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open. 2022 (PMID 36251294). Read 2026-10-31. source
- Hickin N, Käll A, Shafran R, et al. The effectiveness of psychological interventions for loneliness: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Psychol Rev. 2021 (PMID 34339939). Read 2026-10-31. source
- Masi CM, Chen HY, Hawkley LC, Cacioppo JT. A meta-analysis of interventions to reduce loneliness. Pers Soc Psychol Rev. 2011 (PMID 20716644). Read 2026-10-31. source
- NHS. Low mood, sadness and depression (get help with low mood). Read 2026-10-31. source
- Creswell JD, Irwin MR, Burklund LJ, et al. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction training reduces loneliness and pro-inflammatory gene expression in older adults: a small randomized controlled trial. Brain Behav Immun. 2012 (PMID 22820409). Read 2026-10-31. source
- Shah SGS, Nogueras D, van Woerden HC, Kiparoglou V. Evaluation of the effectiveness of digital technology interventions to reduce loneliness in older adults: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Med Internet Res. 2021 (PMID 34085942). Read 2026-10-31. source
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. St. John's Wort: Usefulness and Safety. Read 2026-10-31. source
- National Institute of Mental Health. Help for Mental Illnesses (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). Read 2026-10-31. source
Related on AlternativeMed
Related goals
Feel More Connected to Others → Cope With Difficult Life Changes → Support a More Balanced Mood → Rebuild Motivation → Make More Room for Enjoyment → Build Emotional Resilience →
Ingredients, foods and supplements
Supplements, teas and adaptogens for stress compared →
Research, safety and claim-check resources
Therapy for anxiety and stress → Mindfulness and meditation for stress → Hearing and vision changes → Maintaining independence as you age → Brain-healthy habits → Healthy aging: warning signs and when to get help → Stress and relaxation →