Relational well-being and loneliness: evidence from Italian seniors

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Italian welfare system appears to have effectively mitigated the economic impact of the pandemic on the older people, regardless of income or place of residence. However, in preventing and treating the intangible aspects related to the noncognitive, affective, and relational domains of the senior, Italian policies were limited. This study analyses the importance of these hidden dimensions of loneliness and frailty in a nationally representative sample of a particularly frail population group ‒ the over 74s. The research analyzed various dimensions of loneliness, including the social dimension, which is related to interpersonal relationships and ties with other people, and the technological dimension, which focuses on the impact of the Internet and technology on individual and collective levels of loneliness. Loneliness, particularly among older individuals, can have a significant impact on both physical and mental health. It increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, weakens the immune system, and causes sleep disorders. It also promotes the onset of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline, while undermining overall psychological well-being and quality of life.