The covid pandemic brought widespread measures to limit physical contact worldwide. This caused a strong increase in feelings of loneliness, raising questions about the long-term consequences. Did ‘extra’ loneliness exist in the Netherlands after the COVID-19 pandemic? Van Tilburg's findings have been published in Public Health. He offers valuable insights into the social resilience of Dutch people during a global health crisis and highlights the role of technology and social networks to combat loneliness. His research contributes to a better understanding of how society can respond to challenges like the pandemic and what we can do to ensure citizens' well-being in the future.
Loneliness temporary phenomenon
Van Tilburg identified the course of loneliness before, during and after the pandemic. It turns out that loneliness returned to pre-pandemic levels after the pandemic peaked. Thus, the pandemic was a temporary interruption rather than a fundamental trend change in people's social lives. Van Tilburg used data from two national Dutch panels for his research: the Longitudinal Internet Studies for the Social Sciences (ages 16-102) and the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (ages 65-101).
Most significant findings
Following the outbreak in early 2020, loneliness increased strongly, especially emotional loneliness, with an increase of up to 22 percentage points (from 15% to 37%) among the oldest age group. This increase represented a break with the long-term trend in which loneliness among the elderly actually decreased slightly. In almost all age groups (from 16 to 102 years), levels of both emotional and social loneliness had returned to pre-pandemic levels after the end of the pandemic, in 2023.
Type of loneliness and age differences
Van Tilburg distinguishes between social and emotional loneliness. Whereas social loneliness refers to the wider network of friends, family and acquaintances, emotional loneliness is about intimate relationships and confidants, such as partners or best friends. The pandemic appeared to have a particular impact on emotional loneliness; many people missed their loved ones and experienced feelings of abandonment and confusion.
Interestingly, the pattern of returning to pre-pandemic levels did not apply to all age groups. Among younger adults aged between 25 and 39, loneliness remained structurally higher. Although for most Dutch people, loneliness rates have returned to previous levels after the pandemic, this age group remains at increased risk of loneliness, possibly due to other factors in their social life phase such as stress caused by not having enough time to combine work, childcare and family and friends.
Loneliness among elderly decreases
Another surprising result from Van Tilburg's study, and confirmation of previous research, is that loneliness among the elderly has actually declined slightly over a longer period, despite the pandemic. This trend is linked to increasing education, greater control over life and the growth of social networks. Older people seem to adapt well to using technology, such as e-mail and video calls, to stay in touch. In addition, their wider network contributes to a sense of connectedness. This sheds new light on the assumption that loneliness among the elderly is on the rise; in fact, Van Tilburg's research indicates a slow decline over the last 30 years.
Clear and unambiguous policy communication needed
Van Tilburg makes the following recommendations to politicians. He stresses the importance of clear and unambiguous policy communication during pandemics, promoting social cohesion rather than division. Making sure people have access to and knowledge of digital communication can limit future feelings of social isolation. He also points out the role of technology in maintaining social networks, especially for those who have difficulty with digital contact. In addition, Van Tilburg suggests paying attention to emotional support during future health crises so that people feel supported during difficult times. ‘In the next pandemic, it is crucial to support not only physical but also mental well-being and maintain strong social cohesion,’ Van Tilburg says.
Article in Public Health
