Types of Social Participation and Self-Reported Loneliness Among Older Adults: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Associations

OBJECTIVES: To examine the associations of loneliness with nine types of social participation: social network site visits; video calls with family/friends; in-person visits with family/friends; caregiving; religious service attendance; club meetings; outings for enjoyment; work; and volunteering. METHODS: Data came from the 2023 and 2024 National Health and Aging Trend Study (N = 7,547 in 2023 [T1], mean age = 75 [SE = 0.11], 55% female, and N = 6,543 in 2024 [T2], mean age = 76 [SE = 0.12]). We fitted linear regression models to examine the research questions. RESULTS: Work and volunteering were cross-sectionally associated with lower loneliness at T1, whereas social network site visits were associated with higher loneliness. Continued volunteering over two years and newly initiated video calls with family/friends were associated with lower loneliness at T2, controlling for T1 loneliness and other covariates. The number of social participations was negatively associated with T2 loneliness. In-person visits with family/friends, going out for enjoyment, caregiving, attending religious services, and participating in club meetings were not significantly associated with loneliness. CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscore the importance of formal social participation, especially volunteering, and informal social connections, especially video calls with family/friends, in alleviating loneliness. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Opportunities and support for volunteering should be provided to lonely older adults.