Abstract
Background: Ireland has the highest rates of loneliness among EU countries, with those aged 80+ particularly vulnerable. Loneliness is a significant risk factor for various negative health outcomes. To address this, the Loneliness Research Network (LTRN) was established in November 2022 to ensure policy recommendations from Ireland’s national Loneliness Taskforce are informed by robust research. The LTRN’s first initiative aimed to identify research priorities, particularly in gerontology, to guide the future of loneliness research in Ireland.
Method: The study was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 involved a roundtable event in April 2024, attended by approximately 50 stakeholders, including NGOs, health professionals, individuals with lived experience, academics, private sector representatives, and government officials. Discussions at seven tables covered various loneliness research topics, with two tables focusing on loneliness in older adults. In Phase 2, LTRN members ranked 5–12 research priorities across different topics.
Results: The roundtable revealed diverse priorities, with limited overlap between outputs. Older adults were identified as a key group for research. Priorities included:
- Exploring the impacts of financial challenges in later life (e.g., rising living costs, housing insecurity) on loneliness.
- Developing a "universal toolkit" or service directory based on evidence of effective loneliness interventions.
- Understanding emotional or existential loneliness that persists despite social engagement improvements.
Conclusion: This study underscores loneliness as a critical issue in Ireland, highlighting the need for targeted research across demographics and contexts. The findings will inform the National Loneliness Taskforce’s efforts to develop, fund, and implement a cross-Government national strategy to reduce loneliness.