United States Of Isolation? Middle-Aged Americans Feel Lonelier Than Europeans

TEMPE, Ariz. — Are you feeling lonely in your 40s? You’re not the only one. A concerning study reveals middle-aged adults in the United States report feeling significantly lonelier than their European counterparts. Researchers working with the American Psychological Association suggest that weaker family ties and greater income inequality may be contributing factors to this disparity.

“Loneliness is gaining attention globally as a public health issue because elevated loneliness increases one’s risk for depression, compromised immunity, chronic illness and mortality,” says study lead author Dr. Frank Infurna, an associate professor of psychology at Arizona State University, in a media release. “Our research illustrates that people feel lonelier in some countries than in others during middle age. It also sheds light on reasons this may be occurring and how governments can address it with better policies.”

With loneliness and isolation becoming increasingly recognized by health officials, including the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory on the epidemic of loneliness in 2023, the study, published in the journal American Psychologist, examined how feelings of loneliness have evolved over time and vary from one country to another.

Researchers analyzed data from more than 53,000 participants across the United States and 13 European countries, covering three generations: the Silent Generation (born between 1928-1945), baby boomers, and Generation X, focusing on responses from individuals between 45 and 65.

“We focused on middle-aged adults because they form the backbone of society and empirical evidence demonstrates that U.S. midlife health is lagging other industrialized nations,” explains Dr. Infurna. “Middle-aged adults carry much of society’s load by constituting most of the workforce, while simultaneously supporting the needs of younger and older generations in the family.”

The study discovered a “loneliness gap,” with Americans feeling lonelier than Europeans, a gap that is widening with each passing generation.

Cultural norms, socioeconomic factors, and the extent of social safety nets were identified as potential reasons behind the U.S.-Europe loneliness divide. American society, characterized by individualism, increased use of social media, declining social connections, and political polarization, places additional pressures on middle-aged adults. These pressures are exacerbated by higher residential mobility, weaker family ties, job insecurity, and income inequality. European countries, however, often offer more comprehensive social safety nets, including support for family leave, unemployment, and childcare.

The findings indicate that loneliness is a growing issue across both the U.S. and Europe, with European numbers trailing slightly behind those of the United States. This trend underscores the need for policy interventions tailored to national contexts and generational needs, focusing on promoting social connections, strengthening social safety nets, and addressing socioeconomic inequalities.

“The cross-national differences observed in midlife loneliness should alert researchers and policymakers to better understand potential root causes that can foster loneliness and policy levers that can change or reverse such trends,” notes Dr. Infurna.

Researchers are advocating for policies that promote family and work benefits to reduce financial pressures and work-family conflict, thereby lessening midlife loneliness. Such policies could also contribute to reducing health and gender inequities.

“The U.S. surgeon general advisory report coupled with nations appointing ministers of loneliness have shined a bright light on loneliness being a global public health issue,” concludes Dr. Infurna. “As opposed to being considered an epidemic — an outbreak that spreads rapidly and affects many individuals — our findings paint a picture akin to loneliness being endemic, regularly occurring within an area or community.”