Loneliness has emerged as a persistent and powerful factor influencing the health and wellbeing of older adults, according to Trinity College Dublin's Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA).
The study tracked how loneliness has affected older adults in Ireland over 14 years, including the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Despite being quite static over time, a significant proportion of older adults experience loneliness, according to the report.
The report said Ireland is one of the fastest ageing countries in Europe, with the population aged 65 and over projected to double by 2051.
It notes that the demographic shift will place increasing pressure on public services particularly health and social care and will require significant planning and adaptation.
Drawing on 14 years of longitudinal data from over 8,000 adults aged 50 and older, the new report highlights widespread unmet need in key health areas.
A significant proportion of older adults remain undiagnosed or under-treated for key conditions including hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, diabetes, osteoporosis, depression, and chronic pain.
It also offers a comprehensive view of how ageing affects older adults over time, and the evidence supports the paradox that women live longer but experience more health-related decline.
TILDA also examined the emotional and mental health impacts of caregiving and makes the case for stronger policy supports to reduce caregiver strain and improve wellbeing.
Carers who provide more than 50 hours of care each week report poorer mental health and reduced overall wellbeing, highlighting the emotional strain of high-intensity caregiving.
The report has uncovered the complex interplay of biology, behaviour, and environment that shapes the aging process according to Life Course Development and Ageing at Trinity Professor Cathal McCrory.
He said that by tracking the same individuals over time, TILDA has distinguished typical patterns of aging from those that are atypical and potentially concerning.
"This report highlights that ageing is not a unidimensional process of decline, but a diverse and dynamic experience that involves growth, adaptation, resilience and vulnerability.
"These insights provide an essential evidence base for designing policies that optimise the health, wellbeing, and opportunities of older people in Ireland," he said.
