Loneliness affects a significant portion of Spain's elderly population

Recent studies highlight a growing loneliness crisis among the elderly in Spain. According to a population study by the IDIS Foundation and Sigma Dos, 58.3% of people aged 65 or older living in their own homes report feeling lonely with some frequency. In contrast, 46% of those living in residential care facilities report similar feelings.

Complementary findings from the Verisure Foundation's 'Desoledad' report indicate that 25% of individuals aged 60 and over feel lonely even when accompanied by others. The research identifies varying levels of vulnerability, noting that 42% of the sample is at moderate risk and 8% is at high risk of unwanted loneliness.

Key factors contributing to this vulnerability include a lack of support networks and a decrease in meaningful activities. While 69% of those at low risk feel they have sufficient people to turn to, only 39% of those at high risk report having adequate support.