Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2025 Aug 26;139:106003. doi: 10.1016/j.archger.2025.106003. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
With growing recognition of psychosocial risks for cognitive impairment, research on social isolation (SI) and loneliness (LON) and their relationship to memory has increased over the past decade. However, most studies have examined SI and LON separately, leaving their combined influence on memory underexplored, particularly in qualitative research. This study presents the qualitative arm of a larger mixed-methods investigation, exploring how SI and LON, separately and together, shape memory in middle-aged and older adults. Ten individuals aged 47 – 81 were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling for semi-structured interviews, analyzed using thematic analysis informed by descriptive phenomenology. Participants generally viewed LON as more damaging to memory than SI, noting that mental stimulation is still possible during isolation, whereas LON often drains the motivation to engage in such activities. Some described SI positively (form of self-care), though extended SI was seen as detrimental due to increased social anxiety (further limits social engagement), disrupted routines, and diminished sense of purpose, all critical for memory. The combination of SI and LON was perceived as most harmful, creating a feedback loop that exacerbates both conditions and increases vulnerability to self-destructive behaviours (smoking, physical inactivity, poor diet). This research identifies distinctive indicators and psychosocial needs of those experiencing SI, LON, or both, supporting more precise screening and intervention triage in clinical and community settings. It underscores the value of targeted, multimodal brain health interventions addressing diverse contributing factors through strategies like social connection, purpose-driven living, cognitively stimulating activities, chronic disease management, and healthy lifestyle habits.
PMID:40896982 | DOI:10.1016/j.archger.2025.106003
