The relationship between retirement, social isolation and loneliness: A longitudinal analysis using the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Our findings suggest there is no immediate or long-term association between retirement and loneliness, but there may be a reduction in social isolation in the short-term. Understanding the role retirement plays in the complex relationship between social connection, loneliness and isolation can be used to inform strategies and policies to improve wellbeing in older age.
Authors
- Gerard Leavey (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8411-8919)
- Louise C. Kenny (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9011-759X)
- Nicola Doherty
- Roger O’Sullivan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6433-8404)
- Ann Sinéad Doherty (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4149-1574)
- Brian Lawlor
Institutions
- University of Ulster (GB)
- Trinity College Dublin (IE)
- University College Cork (IE)
- Centre for Mental Health (GB)
- Institute of Public Health (IE)
- Arden University (GB)
Publication Details
- Journal
- BMC Public Health
- Published
- 2025-11-03
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-24472-8
- Primary Topic
- Health disparities and outcomes
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- UK Research and Innovation
- Public Health Agency