There are various demographic factors that may contribute to loneliness. Although Dr. Vasan notes that anyone can feel lonely at any time in their life, a few groups that stand out as having an increased risk of loneliness include young adults, mothers with young children and the elderly. Immigrants are also at higher risk for loneliness, continues Dr. Vasan.

You may experience loneliness for a variety of reasons, but it can often stem from a major life change. A 2020 study by the University of Edinburgh suggests that the causes of loneliness differ depending on the age of the individual. For example, older adults experience loneliness more frequently as a result of living alone than as a cause of their loneliness.

This discrepancy between what causes loneliness in older adults versus those who are middle-aged could be due to the fact that older adults have retired and no longer have the community and daily interactions of work life, explains Nikki Press, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist in New York City. Older individuals are more likely to experience medical or physical limitations that restrict their opportunities for activities and socialising, continues Dr. Press.

Other common causes of loneliness include :

• The death of a close friend or family member
• Physical isolation, such as living alone or moving away from family and friends
• Illness or disability
• Retirement
• Working alone

Choose the correct answer from the alternatives.

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