Loneliness in England: New Study Highlights a Growing Public Health Challenge

A major study of more than 135,000 people across England has highlighted the widespread nature of loneliness and social isolation, with researchers warning that the issue should be treated as a public health concern affecting people across all stages of adulthood.

The study, led by researchers at Imperial College London, found that almost one in six participants reported feeling lonely often or always. More than one in five also said they frequently experienced a lack of companionship, felt left out, or felt isolated.

The research provides one of the most detailed examinations to date of loneliness, social connection, neighbourhood trust and social capital across England. It also suggests that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic may still be influencing people's experiences of loneliness and isolation several years after the pandemic began.

COVID-19 Pandemic Linked to Lasting Feelings of Isolation

The researchers found that 43.8% of participants said the COVID-19 pandemic had increased their feelings of loneliness. Almost half, 48.2%, reported that the pandemic had increased their feelings of isolation.

These findings are significant because social restrictions during the pandemic changed how people interacted with family, friends, colleagues and their wider communities. Although many restrictions have ended, the study suggests that their effects may have persisted for a substantial proportion of people.

Professor Azeem Majeed, from Imperial College London's School of Public Health and senior author of the research, said loneliness can affect both mental and physical health and is something he encounters in primary care.

He also emphasised that loneliness should not be viewed simply as an issue affecting older people. Instead, it can affect people throughout adulthood and may require responses that involve healthcare services as well as communities and local organisations.

Loneliness Is Not Limited to Older People

Loneliness is sometimes associated primarily with older adults, but the INTERACT study presents a broader picture.

The researchers surveyed people aged 16 and over, and participants came from different age groups and backgrounds. The largest group represented in the study was people aged over 65, who accounted for 32.4% of respondents. People aged 56 to 65 made up another 24.5%, while 16.2% were aged 46 to 55.

Younger adults were also represented, with 6.2% of respondents aged 16 to 25 and 9.6% aged 26 to 35.

The findings therefore support the view that loneliness is a life-course issue rather than a problem confined to one particular age group.

For some people, loneliness may result from major life changes, including moving to a new area, starting or leaving employment, relationship breakdown, retirement or bereavement. Others may experience loneliness despite having regular contact with other people.

This distinction is important because loneliness is ultimately about a person's perceived quality of social connection, rather than simply the number of people around them.

Cities Among Areas Where Loneliness Was Most Concentrated

The study also examined the geographical distribution of loneliness across England.

Researchers found clusters of higher reported loneliness in major urban areas, including London, Birmingham and Manchester. They suggest that these patterns may be consistent with the so-called "urban paradox", whereby large cities can offer extensive economic, cultural and social opportunities while some residents nevertheless experience lower levels of connection and wellbeing.

Living in a densely populated area does not necessarily mean having strong social relationships. People can be surrounded by thousands of others and still feel disconnected from their local community.

The researchers therefore argue that efforts to tackle loneliness need to consider the environments in which people live. Access to community facilities, social groups, public spaces and local services may all influence opportunities for people to form and maintain meaningful connections.

Why Social Capital Matters

Another important element of the INTERACT research is its focus on neighbourhood trust and social capital.

Social capital broadly refers to the relationships, networks and shared norms that help people interact and support one another within a community. Strong social connections can create opportunities for people to participate in community life and access practical or emotional support.

Dr Austen El-Osta, from Imperial College London's School of Public Health and the study's lead researcher, said the findings demonstrate that loneliness should not be regarded solely as a private experience.

Instead, the research suggests that people's surroundings, social networks and local environments can all play a role.

This means that addressing loneliness may require more than encouraging individuals to become more socially active. Communities may also need accessible spaces, activities and services that make it easier for people to participate and develop relationships.

Important Limitations of the Research

Despite the size of the study, the researchers caution against interpreting the results as an exact estimate of loneliness across the entire population of England.

A total of 135,725 volunteers completed an online survey during a five-month period in 2023. Because participation was voluntary, people who were particularly interested in loneliness or affected by it may have been more likely to take part.

The researchers also noted that the sample included a relatively high proportion of highly educated people and under-represented some minority ethnic groups.

These factors mean the results should be understood as a detailed snapshot of experiences reported by study participants rather than a precise measurement of loneliness among every adult in England.

Nevertheless, the scale of the dataset gives researchers an opportunity to investigate patterns that may otherwise be difficult to identify. It could also provide a useful benchmark for future research.

Loneliness as a Public Health Issue

The World Health Organization recognised loneliness as a global public health issue in 2023, reflecting growing evidence that social connection can have important implications for health and wellbeing.

The INTERACT findings add to this wider body of research by examining loneliness alongside factors such as neighbourhood trust, social capital and geography.

The researchers argue that healthcare providers, local authorities, community organisations and policymakers may all have a role in addressing the issue.

A public health response could involve strengthening community infrastructure and making social opportunities easier to access. Local initiatives, volunteering, community groups and accessible public spaces may all provide opportunities for people to establish meaningful connections.

Healthcare professionals can also play a role by recognising loneliness when it forms part of a person's wider health and wellbeing concerns.

What Can Be Done About Loneliness?

There is no single solution to loneliness because its causes and experiences differ from person to person.

For some people, joining a community group or taking part in a regular activity may help create new social connections. Volunteering can provide another route into community life, while maintaining regular contact with family and friends can be valuable for people who are at risk of becoming isolated.

At a wider level, communities can consider whether people have accessible places to meet, participate and build relationships.

The key message from the INTERACT study is that loneliness should not automatically be treated as an individual failure to maintain relationships. The social and physical environment can influence people's opportunities to connect with others.

Conclusion

The INTERACT study offers a substantial new look at loneliness and social isolation in England. Almost one in six participants reported feeling lonely often or always, while many others reported lacking companionship or experiencing feelings of isolation.

The research also highlights the continuing association between the COVID-19 pandemic and increased loneliness and isolation, as well as geographical patterns in major urban centres.

While the study has important limitations and cannot be used to calculate the precise prevalence of loneliness across England, its findings underline the importance of understanding social connection as part of public health.

Loneliness can affect people at different stages of life, and tackling it may require action that extends beyond healthcare. Stronger communities, accessible services and opportunities for meaningful participation could all contribute to a more connected society.

Sources

• El-Osta, A., Alaa, A., Al-Ammouri, M., Altalib, S., Tristán-López, A. and Majeed, A. "Measuring loneliness at a national scale: The measuring loneliness in England (INTERACT) study's approach and initial findings." BMC Global and Public Health, 2026. DOI: 10.1186/s44263-026-00296-5.
• Imperial College London, study report on the INTERACT loneliness research, 13 August 2026.
• World Health Organization, information on social connection and loneliness as a global public health issue.
• NHS, information and support relating to loneliness.
• National Institute for Health and Care Research, Be Part of Research.

Disclaimer

This article is for general informational purposes only and is based on published research and publicly available information. It is not intended to provide medical or mental health advice, diagnosis or treatment. Anyone experiencing persistent loneliness, distress or concerns about their mental or physical health should consider speaking with an appropriate healthcare professional or support organisation.