Loneliness and social isolation in the COVID-19 Pandemic among the over 70s: Data from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) and ALONE
This report, a joint publication by ALONE and the TILDA research team, explores the impact of the pandemic on the social isolation of older adults in Ireland. It highlights that the COVID-19 crisis exacerbated existing issues of loneliness and social isolation among this demographic. The report reveals that older individuals experienced increased feelings of loneliness due to restricted social interactions and lockdown measures. Key findings indicate that while many older adults were able to adapt to new technologies for communication, significant challenges remained, particularly for those without access to digital tools. The study underscores the urgent need for targeted support services to address the heightened risks of social isolation during and beyond the pandemic. It calls for enhanced community engagement and support strategies to improve the well-being of older adults, ensuring they remain connected and supported during future crises.