Staying socially involved with others, be it family, friends, neighbors, or people in our community, is known to be beneficial for our health. Humans are a social species — we were meant to do life together, to be involved and connected; the proximity of others and social behavior are critical for development, reproduction, health, and survival. That’s why social isolation can be so detrimental to our health. The main negative effects of social isolation are typically presented mentally, in ways such as loneliness, depression, or anxiety. But isolating ourselves from others can affect far more than just our mental health; it can also affect our physical bodies, how we heal, and how we age. In today’s blog post, we’ll cover what social isolation looks like, why many seniors engage in it, its effects, and how to combat it.

What is Social Isolation?

Social isolation is generally seen as a lack of social contact, when someone does not have relationships or regular contact with others and has little to no social support. Oftentimes this can be involuntary. For example, a senior may want to be socially involved with others but lack the ability to do so (not have access to transportation). Other times it’s a conscious choice made whilst going through a challenging time. When going through transitions or challenging times in life, people cope in varying ways. Some may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as reliance on substances, but another unhealthy coping mechanism is isolation. It doesn’t seem that harmful, but over time, the effects can be detrimental on ones mental and physical well-being. While it may seem easier to face hardships alone, whether it be out of fear of burdening another person or simply wanting to bear the burden alone, remember that you don’t have to. There are people and communities out there that can provide you with the support you need, through whatever it is you might be going through. You are never alone!

For many seniors, aging can come with a plethora of challenges, whether it be new or worsening health conditions, losing a loved one or friend, and adjusting to the changes surrounding them. Aging can often be a lonely experience accompanied by depression, anxiety, grief, and even anger or resentment. Adults on average find it harder to make new friends and socialize, often resulting in feelings of loneliness and subsequent isolation. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s article on social connection states that a lack of social connection amongst adults is rather common, showing that about 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. lack social and emotional support, and about 1 in 3 adults report feeling lonely. The CDC also highlights how social isolation can pose a health risk to people even if they don’t feel lonely or disconnected from others. They further explain that loneliness can feel like you lack meaningful or close relationships or a greater sense of belonging. It often reflects the difference between a person’s actual and their desired level of connection.

It’s important to know that while they are connected, there is a distinction between social isolation and loneliness. Social isolation refers to being separate from others and lacking social contact. Loneliness, on the other hand, is a more subjective experience and overall feeling. People who are lonely feel cut off from others, even if they have regular physical and social contact. A person can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely.

According to the CDC, loneliness and social isolation may be shaped by conditions in the environments where people are born, live, work, learn, worship, and play. These conditions can affect the ability to connect socially. For example, the availability of resources that exist in a community, such as parks, libraries, public transportation, and programs, supports the development of social connection. They also state that older adults and seniors are more at risk for social isolation.

While there is no singular cause of social isolation, as every person who experiences it has a different background, personal and medical history, and story, there are some aspects that can contribute to higher risks. The CDC identifies varying risk factors for people who experience loneliness and social isolation. These can present individually or in larger groups:

Individual risk factors:

• Having a mental or physical challenge, such as a:
  • Chronic disease or condition.
  • Psychiatric or depressive condition.
  • Long-term disability.
• Being marginalized or discriminated against.
• Having limited or no access to resources, such as:
  • Living in rural areas.
  • Limited transportation.
  • Language barriers.
• Being a victim of violence or abuse.
• Facing a divorce, unemployment, or the loss of a loved one.

Groups with higher risk factors:

Loneliness may impact some groups more than others, such as:

• Low-income adults.
• Young adults.
• Older adults/seniors.
• Adults living alone.
• Immigrants.

The Effects of Social Isolation:

The effects of social isolation look different for each person. Some might experience significant depression and loneliness due to isolation, whilst others might not notice any symptoms related to mental health.

According to the CDC, social isolation and loneliness can increase a person's risk for:

• Heart disease and stroke.
• Type 2 diabetes.
• Depression and anxiety.
• Suicidality and self-harm.
• Dementia.
• Earlier death.

Social isolation can affect people both mentally and physically. You might only be aware of the more common and well-known impacts of social isolation, which are typically associated with depression and anxiety, as we mentioned previously. However, social isolation can also affect one's physical health.

Mental Impacts of Social Isolation:

According to an article by Verywell Mind, spending too much time alone and cut off from other people doesn’t just make you feel lonely; it can have a serious impact on your mood, brain functioning, health, behavior, and thought patterns. Social isolation and loneliness can also significantly impact mental health, especially if they are prolonged.

Some of the potential consequences of social isolation and loneliness include:

• Increased alcohol and substance use
• Increased risk for depression
• A higher risk for suicide
• Changes in brain function/Cognitive decline
• Antisocial behavior
• Higher stress levels

Social isolation can also affect a person’s health habits and how they take care of themselves, further influencing mental and physical health.

Physical Impacts of Social Isolation:

An article on Social isolation: A determinant of physical health found evidence across diverse disciplines with diverse outcomes demonstrating the importance of social isolation and the influence that relationships have on health risk, chronic illness, and mortality. The evidence supports the inclusion of social isolation as a significant and necessary component of the multifactorial understanding of both social health and health risk.

While the importance of social connectedness is known for the benefits of both physical and mental health, what exactly are the physical impacts of social isolation? We’re so glad you asked! The National Institute on Aging found that research has linked social isolation and loneliness to higher risks for a variety of physical (and mental conditions, mentioned above) such as:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Obesity
• A weakened immune system

Overall health consequences differ from person to person, as does the severity. But it’s no secret that social isolation is bad for your brain and body. Isolation can be correlated to an increased risk of mortality of 26 percent. Cognitive decline has also been shown to accelerate with isolation, and the risk of dementia increases among lonely individuals. Consistent social contact and connection are beneficial for both mental and physical health, so how can you help the senior loved ones in your life to stay socially connected? Well, first you need to understand why they are socially isolated to begin with.

Why Do Seniors Socially Isolate?

The effects of social isolation are similar to the reasons why one might socially isolate, as they differ widely from person to person. One way to help better understand why your loved one may be socially isolating is to simply have a conversation with them and ask questions. For seniors, specifically, there are certain unique factors that can put them at risk of social isolation, including:

• Loss of mobility
• Vision or hearing problems
• Psychological or cognitive challenges
• Feeling a lack of purpose
• Financial struggles
• Living alone
• Lack of transportation
• Inability 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 someone who is unwell

Talking with your senior loved ones and checking in regularly is the first step you can take to help them stay socially connected! Helping them feel heard and understood is a great place to start to help them get connected and remain connected with other friends and family members.

How to Combat Social Isolation:

Staying socially connected can be challenging for people with their busy lives and schedules, but it can often be even more challenging for seniors. The CDC explains these challenges seniors often face: physical changes, limited mobility, the loss of family and friends, and living alone can all make it difficult to connect with others as we age. That’s why helping our loved ones find ways to stay connected with others and also with us can be extremely beneficial for their overall health and happiness.

The CDC highlights some ideas for how seniors can connect with others:

• Do things you already enjoy doing with others, such as taking a walk or painting
• Visit community areas, such as parks, places of worship, and senior centers
• Engage in new activities and hobbies with others, such as:
  • Cooking and baking
  • Gardening
  • Group sports, like golf and pickleball
  • Outdoor adventures, like hiking and kayaking
  • Crafts, like knitting and woodworking
  • Group exercise, like water aerobics and dancing
  • Arts, like painting and ceramics
  • Book clubs
  • Card or board games
  • Faith-based activities
• Maintain regular in-person interactions with friends and family, and connect by phone or video calls
• Engage in activities you enjoy and adjust when needed based on your physical ability

The National Institute on Aging goes further to advise the steps you can take to help protect yourself or your loved ones from the effects of loneliness and social isolation, such as getting adequate rest, exercising, and eating healthy. Once you have a healthy baseline, it will make it easier to actually participate in and enjoy social activities!

Secondly, the National Institute on Aging suggests that engaging in meaningful, productive activities with others can help provide a sense of purpose and thus lead to living longer. For example, helping others through volunteering helps you feel less lonely and allows you to have a sense of mission and purpose in life, which is linked to better health. Studies show activities like these may help boost your mood and improve your well-being and cognitive function.

Some suggestions from the National Institute on Aging to help remain socially connected include:

• Finding an activity that you enjoy, restarting an old hobby, or taking a class to learn something new. You might have fun and meet people with similar interests.
• Scheduling time each day to stay in touch with family, friends, and neighbors in person, by email, social media, voice call, or text. Talk with people you trust and share your feelings. Suggest an activity to help nurture and strengthen existing relationships. Sending letters or cards is another good way to keep up friendships.
• If you’re not tech-savvy, sign up for a class at your local public library or community center to help you learn how to use email or social media.
• Consider adopting a pet if you are able to care for one. Animals can be a source of comfort and may also lower stress and blood pressure.
• Stay physically active. Find ways to exercise with others, such as joining a walking club or working out with a friend. Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes (2 1/2 hours) of moderate-intensity activity each week.
• Introduce yourself to your neighbors.
• Find a faith-based organization where you can deepen your spirituality and engage with others in activities and events.
• Check out resources and programs at your local social service agencies, community and senior centers, and public libraries.
• Join a cause and get involved in your community.

How Senior Industry Services Can Help

Senior Industry Services operates as a resource for seniors and their families to find reliable and trustworthy information and insights into the senior world, including senior living and aging. If you or someone you know is struggling with social isolation, we hope this article provides some practical insights and advice to help! Remember you aren’t alone! At Senior Industry Services, we aim to help and support seniors, families, and senior care workers in any way that we can. If you need extra support or have questions, feel free to reach out to us or explore our website for more information and resources that may be helpful for you! Our goal is to make Central Texas the best place for seniors to age…and that includes keeping seniors socially connected!

Written for Senior Industry Services by Lauren Hope Bartling

About Senior Industry Services

Senior Industry Services (SIS) is a Central Texas resource connecting seniors, families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and local businesses through education, technology, and community collaboration.

SIS provides educational articles, Senior-AI tools, a searchable Senior Resource Directory, local service information, community resources, professional networking events, and educational opportunities. 

We explore and educate on topics such as healthy aging, caregiving, senior living, dementia, hospital-to-home transitions, Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans benefits, long-term care planning, and other issues affecting seniors and their families.

Senior Industry Services serves communities across Central Texas, including Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Lakeway, Buda, Kyle, Bastrop, Dripping Springs, Marble Falls, Burnet, Temple, Belton, Killeen, Harker Heights, Waco, San Marcos, New Braunfels, Canyon Lake, Bryan–College Station, and surrounding areas.

Whether you’re searching for reliable information, exploring local senior services, using Senior-AI, or looking to connect with trusted professionals, SIS is designed to be a central online resource for aging and senior care throughout Central Texas! Explore our website to learn more about all we have to offer to families, seniors, and senior care professionals in Central Texas!

About the Author

Lauren Hope Bartling is a content writer for Senior Industry Services & Oasis Senior Advisors of Austin and Central Texas. She searches and writes educational content focused on healthy aging, caregiving, healthcare, senior living, and community resources. Her goal is to help seniors, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals better understand the challenges of aging through accurate, practical, and easy-to-understand information that supports informed decision-making.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 15). Health effects of social isolation and loneliness. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/social-connectedness/risk-factors/index.html 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, August 4). Information for older adults. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/still-going-strong/older-adults/index.html 

Julianne Holt-Lunstad, Andrew Steptoe, Social isolation: An underappreciated determinant of physical health, Current Opinion in Psychology, Volume 43, 2022, Pages 232-237, ISSN 2352-250X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.07.012. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352250X21001111)

Loneliness and social isolation — tips for staying connected | National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/loneliness-and-social-isolation/loneliness-and-social-isolation-tips-staying-connected 

Sherman, D. W., Alfano, A. R., Alfonso, F., Duque, C. R., Eiroa, D., Marrero, Y., Muñecas, T., Radcliffe-Henry, E., Rodriguez, A., & Sommer, C. L. (2024). A Systematic Review of the Relationship between Social Isolation and Physical Health in Adults. Healthcare, 12(11), 1135. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12111135

Social isolation, loneliness in older people pose health risks | National Institute on Aging. National Institute on Aging. (2019, April 23). https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks 

What is Senior Social Isolation and loneliness?. All Seniors Foundation. (2026, May 14). https://allseniors.org/faqs/what-is-senior-social-isolation-and-loneliness/