Survey reveals rising loneliness among seniors and vulnerable groups in Sweden

A recent international survey conducted by Sweden’s Public Health Agency indicates that loneliness and social isolation are most prevalent among younger and older individuals living alone, people with disabilities, and those who are unemployed or on sick leave. Margareta Orverud, a 91-year-old, shared her experience of living alone for most of her life. “I’m used to living alone. Occasionally, I feel the need to talk and would call a friend for a half-hour chat. But she has passed away, and now I have no one to call.”

In Sweden, around 10% of individuals aged 75-84 live in social isolation, while it is estimated that 8% of those aged 85 and older experience significant social isolation, defined as contact via phone or internet occurring less than once a week, according to a 2022 report from the National Board of Health and Welfare.

Efforts are underway in Sweden to reduce loneliness among different demographic groups, both at the municipal level and within civil society. One initiative is the SPF Seniorerna, which has received funding for a three-year project aimed at combating involuntary loneliness among older adults through volunteer work. Peter Sikström, the organization’s secretary general, stated, “We aim to break the social isolation among the elderly by utilizing other seniors as volunteers to help individuals out of the isolation they live in.”

Sikström also notes the distinction between voluntary and involuntary loneliness, highlighting that those who are socially isolated often do not seek contact with the outside world, making them harder to reach. Many share poignant stories of not having spoken to anyone for several days or even weeks.