LONELINESS AND MENTAL HEALTH: LONG TERM PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS IN OLDER ADULTS

Chronic loneliness and social isolation are modifiable risk factors for late-life mental health. This article synthesises evidence from a systematic review (2000 2025; 3,212 records, 62 included: 28 longitudinal, 20 cross-sectional, 9 qualitative, 5 trials) and a complementary survey (N = 100). Findings consistently linked loneliness with depression, anxiety, and faster cognitive decline, mediated by HPA-axis dysregulation, inflammation, maladaptive cognitions, sleep disturbance, and reduced stimulation. CBT and group-based programs had the strongest intervention evidence, while mindfulness and arts-based approaches showed variable but promising effects. In the survey, 46% scored high on loneliness, which correlated with greater depression (GDS), anxiety (GAD-7), and poorer cognition (MMSE); rural older women living alone were most vulnerable. Clinical and policy implications include routine screening, culturally adapted psychosocial support, social prescribing, and digital inclusion tailored for low-resource settings.