According to Professor Amil Rokach, a clinical psychologist and professor in the Department of Psychology at York University, loneliness negatively affects both our physical and mental health regardless of location.

The study found older adults are at a greater risk for the negative emotion because life changes that can create isolation — such as losing a spouse and suddenly living alone, not being able to physically engage in activities or having money issues — can prevent them from doing things they like. Those over 50 are also three times more likely to be lonely if they don’t feel like they belong in their neighbourhood. The psychological effects, he explained to Global News, include cognitive decline as well as depression and social anxiety. “In the elderly, [loneliness] could hasten dementia,” Rokach said.