[The role of employment in mitigating loneliness among older adults].

Abstract

Background: The increasing proportion of older adults in the population, along with changes in their occupational engagement, has made loneliness a growing concern across Europe. Due to the unclear relationship between work and loneliness, this study aimed to examine the association between occupational activity and loneliness among adults aged ≥60 years, considering factors that may influence this relationship.

Material and methods: The study was conducted among 1090 respondents aged ≥60 years in September-November 2025 using computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI). Loneliness was assessed using the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale (R-UCLA), and life satisfaction was measured with the World Health Organization Quality of Life - Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. Participants were categorized into 3 groups: occupationally and socially active, socially active but not occupationally active, and neither occupationally nor socially active. Logistic regression (odds ratio, 95% CI) was applied to identify factors associated with occupational activity, Mann-Whitney U tests were used for comparisons between working and non-working participants, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were employed for analyses across the 3 activity profiles.

Results: Engagement in occupational activity among adults aged ≥60 years was limited (17.2%). It was most common among individuals aged 60-69 years, who have higher education, are more satisfied with their lives, but are also divorced, rate their mental health more poorly, and are in a more difficult financial situation (p < 0.05). Non-working participants exhibited significantly higher loneliness, lower social connectedness, and poorer quality of life (p < 0.001). Occupationally active individuals showed the highest quality of life and lowest loneliness, whereas those inactive both socially and professionally displayed the lowest quality of life and highest loneliness levels.

Conclusions: Occupational activity may reduce loneliness and enhance quality of life among older adults, highlighting the importance of systemic and institutional support. There is a need to develop and expand access to age-friendly and flexible employment opportunities for seniors to promote active and healthy aging. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2026;77(5).