Macro Social Influences on Loneliness in Later Life

This open access book explores the macro-social influences on loneliness in later life, emphasizing how societal structures, cultural contexts, and broader social transformations shape the experience of loneliness. Dedicated to the social construction of loneliness and the notable heterogeneity in its prevalence across European countries, this volume gathers a distinguished selection of experts who share their latest insights on meso- and macro-level influences, cultural and structural theories, and the impact of digitalization, climate change, and societal crises. By adopting a macro-social lens, this book deepens our understanding of late-life loneliness as a phenomenon profoundly connected to the social environments in which older adults live. It lays a foundation for evidence-based interventions that extend beyond individual-level solutions. It is our hope and expectation that the book and its content will fundamentally change our understanding of loneliness and the strategies to mitigate it.