Norwegians are among the least lonely in Europe

"Often we only talk about individual risk factors, such as loss of loved ones, reduced functional ability, or little social contact," says researcher Marja Aartsen at OsloMet.

It's important, but it doesn't explain everything. She points out that society and surroundings also play a role.

“Our lives don't take place in a vacuum but are connected to other people's lives and to what's happening in society,” she says.

According to Aartsen, there has been little attention on social influences. A new book brings together European research on meso- and macro-social conditions.

Not an epidemic – but young people stand out

One of the chapters was written together with researcher Marian Vasile at the University of Bucharest. They have studied how widespread loneliness is in Europe before and after the pandemic.

The elderly are most lonely. But research suggests that loneliness is also prevalent among young people, especially among those between the ages of 18 and 22.

“In the media, there's often talk of a 'loneliness epidemic,' often explained by increased individualisation and more digital interaction,” says Aartsen.

The researchers compared the incidence in 2014/15 with numbers roughly ten years later. 

"In Europe, we generally do not find support for such an epidemic. For the youngest age group, however, we see an increase," she says.

This could be related to the pandemic, but further research is needed to be sure.

What explains the differences between countries?

“We conclude that loneliness is affected on several levels," she says.

Aartsen explains that this concerns the individual, the local environment such as neighbourhood and social networks. Loneliness can also be structural or cultural – for example, welfare schemes and norms about ageing, being alone, or family care.

Living alone is a risk factor, but the effect is stronger in countries where living alone is uncommon. This contributes to the Nordic countries being among the least lonely in Europe – and also globally. 

Two different types of loneliness

Aartsen points out that the Nordic countries have an individualistic culture where autonomy is highly valued.

Researchers also distinguish between different types of loneliness.

Social loneliness, when the network is perceived as too small, and emotional loneliness, which is about longing for a close partner, even with many friends. 

"The risk factors at the micro, meso, and macro levels vary between types. A universal approach therefore often works poorly,” she says.

Norway in a Nordic context

Norway, along with the other Nordic countries, has a low incidence of loneliness. 

Possible explanations are the welfare system, free health services, and relatively low expectations of what the network should do in crises – many rely on public services, Aartsen explains.

“This may change if the family is given a larger role,” she says.

Difficult to measure loneliness precisely

“One challenge is that different studies measure loneliness differently. Some ask directly if you feel lonely with the answer alternatives: yes, no, sometimes. Then we let people define the term themselves, which makes comparisons across groups and countries difficult,” she says.

In some countries, admitting loneliness is taboo, and researchers may therefore underestimate its prevalence. 

Other studies use indirect questions, such as 'There is always someone I can turn to in case of problems.' It can capture different types of loneliness, but there is debate about which questions best measure the phenomenon.

Aartsen emphasises that we need thorough measurement evaluations to ensure that the tools are as ‘culture-free’ as possible. In other words, that they are equally sensitive across groups. 

"We also need to clearly distinguish between types of loneliness. The causes vary, and measures must be tailored," she says.

"Loneliness is not just a personal problem"

“The causes lie not only with the individual, but also in neighbourhoods and society. Workplaces, local communities, and authorities can reduce loneliness by building inclusive environments that accommodate diversity,” says Aartsen.

This applies especially to immigrants, people who are excluded for various reasons, and those who cannot participate socially due to health or finances.

“For the individual, it's about building sustainable networks with different types of people who can fill different roles: listening, providing emotional support, and helping practically. The need for belonging is particularly strong among young people, where peer pressure is often greater than among older adults.

The main point is simple, the researcher believes. 

"Loneliness is not just a personal problem, but a responsibility for the community. And measures must be adapted to the type of loneliness,” she says.

Reference:

Aartsen et al. 'Loneliness Prevalence in Different Age Groups in Europe'. In Aartsen et al. (Eds.). Macro Social Influences on Loneliness in Later Life. Towards a Better Understanding of the Loneliness Paradox in Europe, Springer Cham, 2025. (Summary)

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Read the Norwegian version of this article on forskning.no

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