Loneliness In Adults Research Articles

Volunteering and Its Association with Depression, Loneliness, and Lifestyle of Older Adults: Insights from a Japanese Cross-Sectional Study.

Background/Objectives: Volunteering has been widely recognized as beneficial to the well-being of older adults, providing health benefits, increased social engagement, and a sense of purpose. This study aimed to explore the associations between volunteering and physical and mental health measures among older adults in Japan. Methods: Using an online survey conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, 500 participants aged 65 and older were divided into volunteer and non-volunteer groups. Demographic, lifestyle, and health characteristics were comprehensively assessed using a series of reliable and validated instruments. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the associations between volunteering and health outcomes. Results: The findings revealed that while there were no significant differences in physical health indicators and undertreatment of most diseases (with the exception of cataracts), volunteers reported significantly lower levels of depression and loneliness compared to non-volunteers. The volunteer group also showed greater engagement in social activities and hobbies, which may have contributed to their improved mental health outcomes. Conclusions: The results of this study add to the growing body of evidence suggesting that volunteering may be an effective, low-cost intervention for promoting mental health and social engagement among older adults.

The effect of sociodemographic characteristics and polypharmacy on loneliness and social isolation in community-dwelling older adults

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of sociodemographic factors and polypharmacy on loneliness and social isolation in older adults. This cross-sectional study included 370 older adults with and without polypharmacy. The data were gathered via the Personal Information Form, Loneliness Scale for Elderly, and Lubben Social Network Scale-Revised. A multivariate ANOVA (MANOVA) was conducted to assess the impact of independent variables on the combined dependent variables. Loneliness and social isolation were found higher in older adults with polypharmacy. In addition, loneliness and social isolation are more common in women, individuals with low educational attainment, single individuals, individuals with low income, individuals living in rural areas, individuals with poor family relationships, individuals not living with their families and individuals with chronic diseases. It is thought that the findings of this study will be guiding for all health professionals working in the field of elderly health in interventions to be planned for the elderly population.

Loneliness and Suicidality Among Older Korean Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Mediating Role of Depressive Symptoms.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the loneliness of older adults increased. Since loneliness and depressive symptoms may contribute to the development of suicidality, the pathways between loneliness, depressive symptoms, and suicidality should be examined more in depth. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between loneliness and suicidality among older Korean adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to explore whether it is mediated by depressive symptoms. The data used for this study was "2020 Chuncheon Elderly Life Survey," and a total of 1200 adults aged 65 and over were included in the analysis. Suicidality was measured with the Depressive Symptom Inventory-Suicidality Subscale (DSI-SS). Loneliness was measured with the UCLA 3-item Loneliness Scale, and depressive symptoms were measured with the Short form of Geriatric Depression Scale (SGDS). The mediating effect was tested using the PROCESS macro version 4.2 for SPSS. Adjusted for covariates, the indirect effect (path of loneliness to suicidality via depressive symptoms) was statistically significant, but the direct effect of loneliness on suicidality was not statistically significant. These findings suggest that loneliness is associated with depressive symptoms which in turn explain suicidality among older Korean adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further research is required to understand the mechanisms underlying this.

Loneliness as a Predictor of Disability in Older Adults: Implications of the UCLA Loneliness Scale Cutoff Score Across Cultural Contexts.

This letter responds to the study by Tomida etal. (2024) that validates the optimal cutoff score for the UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLA-LS) to predict disability among older Japanese adults. The study identifies a cutoff score of 44, providing a significant indicator for the early detection of at-risk individuals. To discuss the implications of the identified cutoff score for public health and clinical practice, including its potential for early intervention and cross-cultural validation. This commentary critically analyzes the findings of Tomida etal. (2024) and situates them within the broader literature on loneliness, disability, and aging. It also considers the multifactorial aspects of loneliness and disability in older adults. The UCLA-LS cutoff score of 44 serves as a practical benchmark for clinicians, which can be integrated into routine health assessments to identify individuals at risk. We underscore the need for additional research on cross-cultural validation and mechanisms linking loneliness to disability. We advocate for incorporating social support measures into standard care for older adults to mitigate the effects of loneliness on disability. This letter suggests future research directions, including exploring the causal pathways between loneliness and disability and developing culturally appropriate interventions.

Pain and the risk of social isolation and loneliness in older Chinese adults: Do gender, age, and education make a difference?

ObjectivePain has long been known to affect the health and well-being of older adults. However, no longitudinal study has examined the associations between pain, social isolation, and loneliness among older adults in China. This study aims to explore the relationships between pain and older Chinese adults’ social isolation (family isolation and friend isolation) and loneliness, and whether these associations are moderated by gender, age, and education groups. MethodData derived from the four waves of the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS, 2014-2020). The sample included 18,692 respondents (aged 60 years and older), and mixed-effects logistic models were used. ResultsPain is not significantly associated with family isolation. In contrast, pain increases the risk of friend isolation and loneliness. Regarding the moderating roles of gender, age, and education, the results show that the relationship between pain and friend isolation is stronger among older women compared to their male counterparts. The association between pain and the risk of friend isolation is stronger among young-old adults (60-69 years) than among their older counterparts (70 years and older). Conversely, the oldest old adults (80+ years) are more likely to experience loneliness combined with pain than their younger counterparts. In addition, the negative effect of pain on the risk of loneliness is stronger among the more educated than among the less educated older adults. ConclusionsThe findings underscore the pivotal role of pain in shaping the social well-being of older adults, and highlight the need to consider sociodemographics and socioeconomic status when developing pain prevention and management strategies.

A theoretical integration of the social skill deficit vulnerability model and social determination theory to examine young adult loneliness

A theoretical integration of the social skill deficit vulnerability model and social determination theory to examine young adult loneliness

Loneliness and Social Isolation in Older Adults in Latvia and Iceland During COVID-19

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the mental health and wellbeing of older populations across Europe, exacerbating feelings of loneliness and social isolation, known risk factors for poor physical and mental health outcomes. This study aims to understand the extent and implications of these changes in Latvia and Iceland, providing essential insights for targeted public health interventions. Methods This comparative study utilized data from two key sources: the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) for Latvia and the HL20 study for Iceland, focusing on individuals aged 67 and above. Both quantitative surveys were conducted during the pandemic, offering data on health status, loneliness, and social isolation. A novel approach was applied in analyzing older populations to standardize comparisons between the two distinct datasets. This methodological innovation is part of a bilateral EEA initiative FM2021/23 aimed at strengthening research collaboration between Latvia and Iceland. Descriptive statistics and the Pearson Chi-square test were used to compare outcomes between the two countries and within demographic subgroups. Results The study revealed stark differences between the two countries: 80% of Latvian older adults reported social isolation compared to 42.7% in Iceland. Similarly, 45% of Latvians experienced loneliness versus 30% of Icelanders. Significant associations were found between social isolation, loneliness, and deteriorating mental and physical health, with worse outcomes noted in socially isolated individuals. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate a clear link between social isolation and adverse health outcomes among the older adults, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study supports the need for proactive public health measures in Latvia and Iceland, including the development of community engagement programs and mental health support services tailored to the needs of older adults. Key messages • Study shows significant health impact of social isolation among older adults in Latvia and Iceland, highlighting urgent need for targeted public health interventions. • Effective public health strategies and innovative digital outreach can mitigate adverse effects of loneliness and isolation observed in older populations.

7.M. Round table: A new lens on loneliness: leveraging the built environment for social health

Abstract Loneliness is a global issue impacting a third of all adults, with young adults (15-25 years) disproportionately affected. Prolonged loneliness has serious consequences for mental and physical health and should be addressed as a matter of urgency. The built environment, where we live, work, and socialise, is increasingly recognised as a significant factor influencing loneliness. However, existing interventions often focus on older adults and neglect the role of the built environments in promoting connectedness across the life course. To bridge this gap, we need interdisciplinary collaboration to understand how our environments and communities can mitigate loneliness. This workshop will explore the critical intersection of place and loneliness interventions. The three panellists bring unique interdisciplinary expertise on loneliness ranging from policy to intervention implementation. These three talks (10min each) will set the stage for a dynamic discussion (30min): 1. Nina Goldman, commissioned by the World Health Organization to undertake a global overview of national loneliness policies, will present findings on how national strategies integrate place-based strategies across sectors such as housing, transportation, and urban planning. 2. Mathias Lasgaard, leading researcher on loneliness interventions, will present the innovative ‘More Together’ (MoTo) project - a multifaceted intervention addressing loneliness in both young and older adults within the Silkeborg Municipality, Denmark. This presentation will contextualize MoTo within the broader landscape of targeted loneliness interventions. 3. Eric Schoenmakers, advisor of the national loneliness action program in the Netherlands, will introduce the “I BELONG” project, an international network dedicated to understanding the relationship between public spaces, loneliness, and effective interventions for young adults in the Netherlands. Key messages • We aim to stimulate a paradigm shift in the way we address loneliness by moving beyond individual-centred solutions to develop a more holistic and community-based approach. • We need more interdisciplinary collaboration to understand how our environments and communities can mitigate loneliness. Speakers/Panelists Nina Goldman University of Manchester, Manchester, UK Mathias Lasgaard Defactum, Central Denmark Region, Aarhus, Denmark Eric Schoenmakers Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven, Netherlands

Social participation and loneliness in older adults: the moderating role of views of social change

ABSTRACT Our study investigates the relationship between social participation and loneliness among Chinese older adults, and explores how their views of social change moderate the strength of this relationship. We utilised cross-sectional nationwide data from the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS). Results show that increased online participation and community participation correlated with decreased loneliness, while greater workforce participation associated with increased loneliness. Moreover, older adults’ views of social change could moderate the association between their community participation and loneliness. Our findings indicate that promoting social participation and addressing older adults’ views of social change would help tackle later-life loneliness.

Relationship between internet and smartphone addiction and eating attitude and feelings of loneliness in young and adults

BackgroundThe developing technology and the rapid increase in the use of the internet, smartphones, and mobile applications can disrupt the daily quality of life of individuals. This research aimed to scrutinize the link between the internet and smartphone addiction of individuals, eating attitude, and loneliness status. This research was carried out in Ankara, Turkey, and cross-sectional study. A total of 643 (M = 240, F = 403) volunteers between the ages of 18 and 50 participated in the study. Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26), Young Internet Addiction Test (YIAT), Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), and UCLA Loneliness Scales were used in this study.ResultsAs the age of the participants increased, YIAT (r = − 0.352, p < 0.01), SAS scale (r = − 0.302, p < 0.01), and UCLA questionnaire scores (r = − 107, p < 0.01) decreased. When BMI of individuals increas, YIAT (r = − 0.163, p < 0.01), and SAS scale (r = − 0.173, p < 0.01) scores decrease. As a result of logistic regression multiple analysis, the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) values for the risk of abnormal eating attitudes were 1.654 (1.166–2.607) in overweight and 2.257 (1.466–3.477) in smartphone addiction (p < 0.05).ConclusionsAccording to the results of this study, it can be put forth that smartphone and internet addiction is associated with abnormal eating attitude and loneliness.

Loneliness in Older Adults Living in Puerto Rico During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Underexamined Public Health Concern

Few studies have examined the mental health of older adults in low resource settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. We used a negative binomial regression with a log linear link function to model the effects of demographic, health, and social factors and common pandemic-related experiences on loneliness in older adults in Puerto Rico. Data are from a 2021 Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices survey about COVID-19 with persons aged 60+ who reside in Puerto Rico ( N = 213). Almost 40% of study participants met the loneliness cutoff score (≥6) on the UCLA Three-Item Loneliness Scale. Age, psychological distress, and psychological sense of community were associated with loneliness. We discuss cultural and contextual factors (e.g., familism, outmigration after Hurricane María, under-resourced healthcare system) that may influence loneliness. We conclude that culturally consonant and contextually feasible public health measures should focus on key correlates in developing loneliness interventions for older adults in Puerto Rico.

The mediating role of perceived social support on loneliness and depression in community-dwelling Nepalese older adults

BackgroundLoneliness has been identified as a significant independent predictor of depression among older adults. Social support has been reported to play a protective role against both loneliness and depression in older adults. However, few studies to date have investigated the three constructs concurrently and the mediating role of Perceived Social Support (PSS) on the relationship between loneliness and depression in this age group. The current study aimed to assess the relationship between loneliness and depression among community-dwelling Nepalese older adults based on the mediating role of PSS.MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional research study included 367 community-dwelling older adults from a randomly selected ward in Kathmandu, Nepal. The University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support were used. Correlation analysis, regression analysis, and the PROCESS 4.1 macro developed by Hayes with a bootstrapping procedure were used to test the mediating effect of the PSS on the relationship between loneliness and depression.ResultsLoneliness was negatively associated with the PSS (β = -0.405; 95% CI: −0.473, -0.337; P < 0.001), and the PSS was positively associated with depression (β = 0.057; 95% CI: 0.014, 0.099; P = 0.009). The direct effect of loneliness on depression was positive and significant (β = 0.151; 95% CI: 0.117, 0.184; P < 0.001), whereas the indirect effect of loneliness on depression through the PSS was negative (path c; β = -0.023, 95% CI: -0.041, -0.005). The results indicated that the PSS partially mediated the relationship between loneliness and depression.ConclusionThese findings suggest that interventions focusing on reducing loneliness and fostering social support may be able to lessen depressive symptoms in older adults. By addressing these factors, healthcare providers and carers can promote the mental health of older adults.

THE EFFECT OF SPIRITUALITY ON DEATH-RELATED DEPRESSION, DEATH ANXIETY, AND LONELINESS AMONG YOUNG ADULTS

There has been a significant increase in research focusing on the healing role of spirituality in recent years. In this context, the purpose of the current study is to examine the effect of spirituality on death-related depression, death anxiety, and loneliness in young adults. A total of 539 young adults, 315 (58.4%) women and 224 (41.6%) men, participated in the study. The participants' ages ranged from 18 to 32 (M = 28.23, SD = 2.63). Personal Information Form, Spirituality Scale, Death Distress, and Loneliness Scale were used in the study. The data of the study were analyzed with SPSS 24. The results of the study show that there is a significant and negative relationship between spirituality and death related depression, death anxiety, and loneliness. The simple linear regression analysis revealed that spirituality explained 7% of the variance in death related depression, 12% of the variance in death anxiety, and 6% of the variance in loneliness. These results can be concluded that spirituality has a protective function against destructive factors such as death related depression, death anxiety, and loneliness. This study once again reveals the importance of carrying out studies to strengthen the spirituality of young adults in particular.

Social Gaming to Decrease Loneliness in Older Adults: Recruitment Challenges and Attrition Analysis in a Digital Mixed Methods Feasibility Study.

Digital mental health interventions could sustainably and scalably prevent and reduce loneliness in older adults. We designed an app containing 29 text-based games and a questionnaire-administering chatbot to stimulate intergenerational contact. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of a social gaming app in reducing loneliness among older adults by evaluating recruitment strategies, data collection procedures, and gameplay activity. This mixed methods study recruited participants via newsletters, articles, and a social media campaign. We used semistructured interviews and descriptive analysis of questionnaire answers and game data to assess feasibility. Key measures included recruitment reach and efficiency, participant demographics, in-app activity, and app usability and engagement feedback. The social media campaign reached 192,641 potential participants, resulting in 1363 game downloads. A total of 155 participants (aged 65 years and older: n=34, 21.9% and aged less than 65 years: n=121, 78.1%) provided informed consent, yielding a conversion rate of 0.08%. The recruitment campaign focusing on distanced playful interaction had a significantly (P<.001) higher click-through rate (1.98%) than a campaign focusing on research participation (click-through rate=0.51%; P<.001). The overall conversion rate from advertisement exposure to research participation was 0.08%. Participants had a mean age of 48 (SD 16) years. The 65 years and older group averaged 70 (SD 5) years, while the less 65 years group averaged 42 (SD 12) years. Additionally, 45.2% (57/126) reported at least moderate levels of loneliness at baseline. Of the initial 554 players, 91 (16.4%) remained active after the first week, and 32 (5.8%) remained active for more than 90 days. Active participants tended to interact with those within their own age group, as indicated by a Pearson correlation of r=0.31 between the ages of the message sender and receiver. Interviews with 12 (48%) participants (aged 65-79 years; female: n=12, 83%) revealed barriers such as excessive chatbot questions and a mismatch between the target group and app design focus. Questionnaire completion rates dropped from 46% at baseline to 10% at follow-up. These findings underscore the challenges of recruitment and retention for older adults in a fully digital social gaming intervention. Effective recruitment strategies and targeted app design are crucial for engagement. Based on these insights, future interventions should focus on simplified interfaces, clear guidance for gameplay, and addressing the specific needs and preferences of older adults, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of digital mental health interventions.

Social support and health behaviors of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in China: a moderated mediation model of loneliness and economic income

BackgroundThe literature shows that social support is an important factor influencing health behaviors. This study aimed to explore the relationships and intrinsic pathways of social support, loneliness, economic income, and health behaviors among older adults during the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and to provide a theoretical basis for the implementation of health behaviors interventions for older adults.MethodsA cluster-random-sampling survey was adopted within two towns in Dongguan, China. Demographic characteristics, social support, loneliness, economic income and health behaviors were measured. The Social Support Appraisals scale (SS-A), the ULS-8 Loneliness Scale, and the Self-rated abilities for health practice scale (SRAHPS) were used to measure social support, loneliness, and health behaviors in older adults, respectively. A moderated mediation model was built to examine the relationships among social support, loneliness, economic income, and health behaviors using the SPSS PROCESS 4.0 macro. We conducted bootstrapping of regression estimates with 5000 samples and a 95% confidence interval.Results621 older adults completed the questionnaire. Most of the participants were female, accounting for 75.0%, and the average age was 81.11 years (SD = 8.11). The median (interquartile range) of the participants’ average monthly economic income was 800 (500–1000)RMB. The results of the mediation analysis showed that loneliness partly mediated the relationship between social support and health behaviors (B = 0.024, 95%CI: 0.007, 0.042), with the mediating effect accounting for 4.56% of the total effect. The moderation mediation analysis revealed a positive moderating role of economic income in the relationship between social support and loneliness (B = 0.114, 95%CI: 0.054, 0.174). Specifically, the relationship between social support and loneliness was found to be weaker for older adults with a high economic income compared to those with a lower economic income.ConclusionThe provision of enhanced social support and the alleviation of loneliness among older adults during an epidemic can facilitate the development of healthy behaviours, particularly among those who are economically disadvantaged.

Tech vs. Tradition: ChatGPT and Mindfulness in Enhancing Older Adults' Emotional Health.

To improve older adults' mental health, this study compared the effects of AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT 3.0, with traditional mindfulness therapies on loneliness and depression in older adults. Despite interest in AI as a complementary tool, empirical evidence on its impact remains limited. For an eight-week intervention, older adult participants from two nursing homes in Hangzhou were assigned to groups focused on mindfulness (group sessions) and chatting (one-on-one ChatGPT). Following the intervention, participants engaged in a researcher-led focus group discussion. After 8 weeks, tension had decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the Mindfulness group of older adults, and there was no significant difference between the effects of ChatGPT and mindfulness on the emotional intervention of older adults. Findings indicated three themes, including (1) personal experience, reflecting older adults' use of AI technology and mindfulness; (2) attitudes and perspectives on the experiment's desirability and insufficiencies; and (3) needs and expectations for future AI and mindfulness developments, including usability and functional preferences. Similar to mindfulness practice, ChatGPT interactions helped older adults feel less depressed and might eventually reduce costs by replacing mindfulness. In the future, AI can be integrated with conventional techniques to improve interaction by giving AI a more human-like appearance.

Loneliness and Bedtime Procrastination: Exploring a Model of Interconnectedness Among Young Adults in Germany

Background/Aim This study aimed to examine the relationship between loneliness and bedtime procrastination in young adults in Germany, offering critical insights into the development and maintenance of both conditions. Specifically, it sought to test a new model that connects these two psychological constructs. Materials and Methods A quantitative online survey was conducted with 500 young adults (Mage = 23.3, 83.6% female). Loneliness was assessed using the UCLA Loneliness Scale, while bedtime procrastination was measured using the Bedtime Procrastination Scale. Results The results show a significant positive correlation between loneliness and bedtime procrastination in young adults. Sleep quality was also found to significantly correlate positively with loneliness as well as with bedtime procrastination. Conclusion The findings provide a crucial framework for understanding the relationship between the two psychological constructs of loneliness and bedtime procrastination. Implications for possible future interventions are discussed.

Built Environment Influences on Emotional State Loneliness among Young Adults during Daily Activities: An Experience Sampling Approach

Loneliness among young adults is a growing concern worldwide, posing serious health risks. While the human ecological framework explains how various factors such as socio-demographic, social, and built environment characteristics can affect this feeling, still, relatively little is known about the effect of built environment characteristics on the feelings of loneliness that young people experience in their daily life activities. This research investigates the relationship between built environment characteristics and emotional state loneliness in young adults (aged 18–25) during their daily activities. Leveraging the Experience Sampling Method, we collected data from 43 participants for 393 personal experiences during daily activities across different environmental settings. The findings of a mixed-effects regression model reveal that built environment features significantly impact emotional state loneliness. Notably, activity location accessibility, social company during activities, and walking activities all contribute to reducing loneliness. These findings can inform urban planners and municipalities to implement interventions that support youngsters’ activities and positive experiences to enhance well-being and alleviate feelings of loneliness in young adults. Specific recommendations regarding the built environment are (1) to create spaces that are accessible, (2) create spaces that are especially accessible by foot, and (3) provide housing with shared facilities for young adults rather than apartments/studios.

Sociodemographic and Health Determinants of Loneliness in Older Immigrants in Canada: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The COVID pandemic brought to light the pressing issues of social isolation and loneliness for older adults. Immigrant older adults' experience of loneliness is even more exacerbated by factors, such as, language barriers, and the loss of cultural community. Key determinants of loneliness in older immigrants are not clear in the literature. A cross-sectional study was conducted in nine cities across Canada to: describe the experience of emotional, social and overall loneliness; and examine the determinants of loneliness among Punjabi, Mandarin, and Arabic-speaking older immigrants. A total of 647 older immigrants participated in the study. Descriptive statistics were used to describe their experience of loneliness, and multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the determinants of loneliness. Most participants had a post-secondary education, were married, and had been in Canada for about 16 years. On average, the participants reported good physical and mental health, and moderate levels of emotional, social, and overall loneliness. Ethnocultural group, emotional wellbeing, and depression were associated with emotional loneliness. Social loneliness was associated with education, depression, psychological distress, age, and ethnocultural group. Determinants of overall loneliness were age, gender, ethnocultural group, self-rated mental health, emotional wellbeing, depression, and psychological distress. Community based interventions that target these key factors must be designed to address loneliness experienced by older immigrants.

A serial mediation model of physical exercise and loneliness: the role of perceived social support and resilience

BackgroundLoneliness is a risk factor for numerous negative life outcomes and diseases among older adults. Physical exercise can reduce social isolation among older adults and improve their health status. This study focused on the relationships among physical exercise, perceived social support, resilience and loneliness to provide theoretical support for physical exercise interventions to address loneliness in older adults.MethodsThis study used a structural equation model and bootstrap method to test a serial mediation model of physical exercise and loneliness and the role of perceived social support and resilience. In this descriptive and cross-sectional study, a questionnaire survey was conducted on 516 older adults from 5 January 2024 to 20 January 2024. The data were collected using the physical activity rating scale (PARS-3), UCLA loneliness Scale-8 (ULS-8), perceived social support scale (PSSS) and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC).ResultsThe results showed that physical exercise among older adults had a direct negative relationship with loneliness (Effect = -0.049, 95% CI: -0.072 to -0.027). In addition, perceived social support and resilience mediated the relationship between physical exercise and loneliness both independent and serially, with the independent mediation effect of perceived social support being − 0.041 (95% CI: -0.056 to -0.028), the independent mediation effect of resilience being − 0.018 (95% CI: -0.026 to -0.011), and the serial mediation effect of perceived social support and resilience being − 0.009 (95% CI: -0.015 to -0.005). The total indirect effect of the three mediation paths was 58.47%.Conclusions(1) In this study, physical exercise and loneliness in older adults were negatively correlated. Perceived social support and resilience play mediating roles in the relationship between physical exercise and loneliness. (2) This study suggests that participation in group events or team sports is valuable for alleviating loneliness caused by a lack of social interaction.