Loneliness and quality of life among older adults in Poland: a cross-sectional study

Rapid population aging is reshaping demographic structures and public health challenges. Loneliness among older adults is associated with poorer mental and physical health, higher mortality, and reduced quality of life. This study assessed loneliness and its sociodemographic, social, and health-related correlates among adults aged ≥ 60 years in Poland. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI) from September to November 2025 among 1,090 adults aged ≥ 60 years. Loneliness was measured using the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale (R-UCLA), and quality of life using the WHOQOL-BREF. Analyses included parametric and non-parametric tests, Pearson correlations, and hierarchical multivariable linear regression ( p < 0.05). Higher loneliness was associated with lower quality of life across all WHOQOL-BREF domains (all p < 0.001). The highest loneliness was observed among participants aged ≥ 85 years, those with severe functional limitations, living alone, and not participating in local social or educational activities (all p < 0.001). Lower loneliness was associated with marriage, economic activity, and sufficient financial resources (all p < 0.001). The final model explained 45.4% of variance, with relationship satisfaction, face-to-face family contact, age, and financial adequacy remaining significant. Findings highlight the need to strengthen social contact and meaningful relationships, particularly among the oldest adults and residents of large cities.