Technology, loneliness and staying connected in later life

Loneliness is common in later life. Friends move away or die. Retirement ends daily contact with coworkers. Children live far away. Hearing loss or giving up driving can make it harder to get out.

Technology cannot replace a hug or a shared meal. But a phone, tablet or computer can help you hear a grandchild's voice, see a friend's face, join a class or attend a service from home. This guide explains what the research says about technology and loneliness, how to get started, and how to stay safe. For the basics of loneliness, see Loneliness in later life.

How common loneliness is

The University of Michigan's National Poll on Healthy Aging has asked adults aged 50 to 80 about loneliness since 2018. In 2024, about 33% said they lacked companionship and 29% felt isolated from others at least some of the time. These numbers jumped in 2020, during the pandemic, and have since come down, but they remain high.² Loneliness and isolation were most common among people who were not working, had lower incomes, or were in fair or poor health.²

The World Health Organization (WHO) says about 1 in 6 people worldwide is lonely, and up to 1 in 3 older adults is socially isolated.³

Loneliness is the painful feeling that your connections are not enough. Social isolation means having few contacts. You can be lonely in a crowd, or alone and content.

You can check how you are doing with our loneliness test or the retirement loneliness checklist.

Why loneliness matters for health

Loneliness is more than a sad feeling. WHO links loneliness and isolation to higher risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, memory decline and early death. Lonely people are about twice as likely to become depressed, and loneliness can also lead to anxiety and thoughts of suicide.³ Read more in Health effects of loneliness.

Because of this, the authors of the national poll suggest doctors ask older patients about loneliness as routinely as they ask about diet and exercise.²

Older adults and technology today

More older adults are online than ever. In a 2025 survey, 78% of Americans 65 and older owned a smartphone, and 70% had home broadband. About 17% relied on a smartphone without home internet.¹ That still leaves about 1 in 5 older adults without a smartphone, often people with lower incomes, poor health or disabilities.

What the research shows

The evidence on technology and loneliness is mixed. Here is a fair summary.

Internet use and mood. A U.S. study followed more than 3,000 retired adults over several years. Those who used the internet were about one-third less likely to be depressed. The benefit was largest for people who lived alone.⁴ This kind of study shows a link, not proof that the internet caused the change.

Video calls alone. A Cochrane review looked for trials of video calls to reduce loneliness in older people. It found only three small studies, all in nursing homes. The evidence was very uncertain, and video calls made little or no clear difference.⁵

Digital programs. A 2026 review of 17 trials with more than 2,400 adults aged 60 and older found that digital health programs lowered loneliness a little. The effect was modest, varied widely, and often faded.⁶ An earlier review of longer-term programs found no clear benefit.⁷

Human contact by phone. In a trial with 240 adults, most aged 65 and older and many living alone, young volunteers trained in empathy made short phone calls several times a week for four weeks. Loneliness, depression and anxiety all improved compared with no calls.⁸

The lesson: a device is a doorway. What helps is the regular, caring contact that comes through it.

What helps

Practical steps to get connected

1. Pick one goal. For example, "See my grandchildren's faces every Sunday" or "Join my church service from home."
2. Choose one simple device. A smartphone or tablet with a large screen is often easiest. Ask family to set up large text, louder sound and only the apps you need.
3. Ask for free lessons. Public libraries and senior centers often offer free device classes. Ask a grandchild or neighbor to sit with you for a few practice sessions.
4. Write it down. Keep a card with simple steps: how to answer a video call, how to call back, how to turn the volume up.
5. Set a regular time. A weekly video call at the same time is easier to keep than "call whenever."
6. Use captions if you have hearing loss. Many phones and video apps can show live captions. See Hearing loss and loneliness.
7. Send a small kindness. Our Send a minute of calm tool lets you send a short calming message to someone you care about.
8. Add one in-person activity. Use the phone to find a walking group, class or volunteer job. See Finding connection and Retirement, purpose and meaning.

Staying safe online

Being online also brings scams. Keep these rules in mind:⁹

• Do not trust caller ID or messages that say there is a problem with your account.
• Never give personal or bank information to someone who contacted you first.
• Never pay with gift cards, wire transfers, crypto or payment apps.
• Talk to someone you trust before acting on any urgent request.

Read more in Scams, financial exploitation and stress.

For family caregivers

• Set up the device for them, then let them practice. Avoid grabbing the device to "just do it."
• Be patient with repeat questions. Learning new technology takes time at any age.
• Keep it regular. A short, predictable call often means more than a long, rare one.
• Watch for loneliness signs: less interest in calls, poor sleep, not eating well, or giving up activities. See Helping someone who is isolated.
• Living far away? See Long-distance caregiving.

Special situations

Living alone. People living alone may benefit most from staying online.⁴ Pair technology with a daily check-in plan: a call, a text, or a neighbor who knocks.

Living with dementia. Simple devices work best: picture-based phones, video frames that answer automatically, or smart speakers. See Technology that helps in dementia care.

Language barriers. Many phones and apps can be set to other languages, and video calls can connect people with family and community groups in their first language.

Low income. Ask your library, senior center or Area Agency on Aging about free or low-cost devices and internet programs.

Frequently asked questions

I'm not good with technology. Is it too late to learn?

No. Many people start in their 70s, 80s or later. Short, repeated practice with a patient helper works well. Start with one task, such as answering a video call.

Will a video call fix my loneliness?

Probably not on its own. Research on video calls alone is very uncertain.⁵ Regular contact with people who care about you, by any means, is what matters most.⁸

Is social media bad for older adults?

It depends on how you use it. WHO warns that heavy screen time and negative online contact can hurt.³ Using it to keep in touch with people you know is different from scrolling for hours.

What if I can't afford a smartphone?

A regular phone still works. Phone calls from a caring person helped in research.⁸ Ask a senior center about friendly-caller programs and low-cost devices.

When to get help

Loneliness can lead to depression. See a doctor if, for two weeks or more, you feel sad or empty most days, lose interest in things, sleep or eat very differently, or feel hopeless. Try our check-in for older adults.

Education only. This page is general information written from the sources listed. It is not medical, legal or financial advice and does not replace a doctor, therapist or lawyer who knows your situation. How we write and check pages.