Loneliness Among Seniors: When Community Matters Most!

Many older adults say that the worst part isn't illness or aging, it's loneliness. For some, the days become long and quiet, missing the conversations and sense of belonging they once had.

I've personally met seniors who say, "I feel invisible." That hits me hard because it shows how important community is, throughout our entire lives. Loneliness among older adults isn't just sad, it's a public health challenge.

Research shows that around 24% of people over 65 are socially isolated, and 43% of those over 60 feel lonely (National Academies of Sciences). The consequences are serious: loneliness in older adults increases the risk of depression, cardiovascular disease, and raises the risk of dementia by nearly 50% (NCBI).

But we also know that community can make an enormous difference. Simple things like meeting for an activity, sharing a meal, or joining an accessible trip can make life richer. According to a Michigan Medicine survey, 1 in 3 adults aged 50–80 felt lonely in the past year, but those who participated in social activities reported significantly better quality of life (Healthy Aging Poll).

That's why I'm passionate about creating trips that offer more than destinations. I want to provide safety, accessibility, and, most importantly, community, so that no one ever feels they don't belong.

At Inkluderende Reiser (Inclusive Travel), the goal is to make this dream possible: "Reiser og opplevelser uten barrierer" ("Journeys and experiences without barriers"), even for those who feel alone.