Loneliness and Social Convoys in Latvia and Sweden: A Comparative Study Using SHARE Wave 9

Aims

This study aimed to examine cross-national differences in loneliness among older adults in Latvia and Sweden and to determine whether these differences are attributable to variations in social network structures or to broader structural factors, including socioeconomic conditions and health status.

Methods

This study used cross-sectional data from Wave 9 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), including individuals aged 50+ in Sweden (n = 2428) and Latvia (n = 1716). Loneliness was measured using the three-item UCLA scale. Social relationships were assessed using convoy measures, including inner and outer networks and relationship quality. Multivariable linear regression models were estimated adjusting for socioeconomic and health-related factors.

Results

Loneliness was higher in Latvia than in Sweden at the descriptive level. However, these differences were no longer statistically significant after adjustment. Economic strain emerged as the strongest predictor of loneliness, followed by functional limitations and chronic diseases. Social network size was not independently associated with loneliness in fully adjusted models, and no interaction effects by country were observed.

Conclusions

Loneliness among older adults is primarily driven by structural and health-related factors rather than differences in social networks or national context. Public health strategies should therefore prioritise reducing socioeconomic inequalities and supporting functional health in ageing populations.

Key messages

• Loneliness differences between Latvia and Sweden disappear after adjustment, showing structural and health factors—not networks—drive loneliness.

• Reducing economic strain and improving functional health should be central to policies targeting loneliness in older populations.