The association between physical mobility and loneliness in the Swedish population 70 years or older

Introduction

Loneliness is a strong risk factor for poor mental health in the older population and impaired physical mobility is common in this age group. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between physical mobility and loneliness and isolation in the older general population in Sweden.

Methods

The study is based on 12 387 men and women aged 70 years or older answering a survey questionnaire sent to a random population sample in Mid-Sweden in 2022 (response rate 66%). The associations between impaired physical mobility (difficulties e.g. in walking short distances or climbing stairs) and loneliness and isolation were investigated with multiple logistic regression analyses, adjusting for gender, age group, educational level, economic difficulties, living with partner/spouse, social support, physical activity, and risk consumption of alcohol.

Results

In total, 35% of the women and 26% of the men reported impaired physical mobility. The prevalence of having mild or severe problems with loneliness and isolation was 27% among women and 16% among men. Impaired physical mobility was independently associated with loneliness and isolation (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.61-2.04). No difference in this association was observed between men and women. Economic difficulties, not living with partner/spouse, and lack of social support, and among men also physical inactivity and risk consumption of alcohol, were independently associated with loneliness and isolation but did not explain the association between physical mobility and loneliness and isolation.

Conclusions

In this large population-based study, older people with impaired physical mobility were more exposed to loneliness and isolation compared to those with no mobility problems. Mobility problems should be considered when designing preventive measures for loneliness and isolation in the older population.

Key messages

• Among older Swedes, 35% of the women and 26% of the men reported impaired physical mobility whereas 27% and 16%, respectively, reported mild or severe problems with loneliness and isolation.

• Older women and men with impaired physical mobility were more exposed to loneliness and isolation than those with no mobility problems.