AARP: Here’s why loneliness increased in adults 45-59 years old

A recent study by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) found that 46% of adults aged 45 to 59 reported feeling lonely in 2025, compared to 35% of adults aged 60 and up. 

Heather Nawrocki is Vice President of Fun and Fulfillment at AARP. 

She says there are risk factors for lonely people.

“It’s important to keep an eye out for people around you that you know are spending a lot of time alone. They are going to be at a higher risk than someone who’s not. Mental and physical health challenges are also a big one,” she says.

Nawrocki says people who have physical health challenges may have difficulty getting out of the house to meet people in real life.

She says people who live in lower-income and rural areas also have higher risks for loneliness.

Get on the phone?

People can feel lonelier during the holiday season. 

Nawrocki says the study found adults 45 and older are engaging with fewer people in social settings. 

She says, however, that those who use technology usually have positive outcomes. 

“What the study shows is 6 in 10 really rely on tech, those who are not lonely. And they actually say they have more friends as a result of technology,” she says, although it depends on each person’s individual experience. 

Nawrocki says social health is just as important as mental and physical health to create the happiest, healthiest, longest life possible.

AARP offers 14,000 events online and in person nationwide for people to connect at aarp.org/connect.

Gender disparity

She says men have higher rates of loneliness compared to women.

 “They’re just not getting out of the house as much. They don’t have as many close friends and they’re not joining community organizations, clubs or pursuing interests with others the same way as perhaps they did before,” she says. 

The social interactions one can make doing volunteering, for example, are a great way to combat feelings of isolation.

Nawrocki says it’s important to check on friends and loved ones to rekindle relationships for social health, which also impacts health, happiness, and longevity.