Overview of social isolation in Europe
Europe is ageing faster than any other region in the world. In 2026, people over 65 represent more than 21% of the EU population, and are projected to reach 30% by 2050. This demographic ageing, combined with shrinking family sizes and greater geographic mobility among younger generations, is generating a silent crisis of social isolation that affects millions of people across the continent and that welfare systems are not prepared to absorb.
The problem does not affect all countries equally. Southern European countries, including Spain, show higher-than-expected isolation rates despite their tradition of family closeness, partly due to the economic crisis of the past decade and the emigration of younger generations. Nordic countries, with more developed welfare systems, achieve better outcomes, though they also face growing challenges linked to geographic dispersal and the ageing of their rural populations.
Differences between countries and regions
According to SHARE survey data (Wave 9), the countries with the highest rates of social isolation among older adults are Greece (41%), Italy (38%), Spain (36%), and Portugal (35%). At the other end, Denmark (14%), the Netherlands (16%), and Sweden (18%) record the lowest figures, thanks to active ageing policies and stronger community networks. This 14-percentage-point gap between north and south reflects deep structural differences in care models, public investment in social services, and the territorial organisation of care for older adults.
Differences exist not only between countries but also within them. Rural areas show significantly higher isolation rates than urban areas in most member states, with the exception of some large cities where urban loneliness is emerging as a growing phenomenon. In countries such as France and Italy, rural depopulation has created genuine social deserts where older adults lack not only companionship but also access to basic health and retail services.
Consequences for health and healthcare systems
European evidence confirms that social isolation is a risk factor comparable to obesity or sedentary behaviour. It is associated with a 29% increase in the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, a 50% higher risk of dementia according to the Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, and greater prevalence of depression and anxiety. WHO Europe has included social isolation on its list of priority health determinants since 2023, placing it on par with risk factors traditionally considered more urgent, such as smoking or physical inactivity.
The economic impact is equally significant. The European Commission estimates that social isolation among older adults generates an additional cost of 18 billion euros per year for EU healthcare systems, arising from avoidable hospitalisations, increased use of emergency services, and poorer outcomes for chronic conditions. A Joint Research Centre study calculates that each socially isolated older adult generates an average of 1,400 euros in additional annual healthcare expenditure compared to an older adult with an active social network.
European policies and emerging solutions
The European Union has begun to address social isolation as a health determinant. The Green Paper on Ageing (2021) and the subsequent European Care Strategy (2022) include specific recommendations on promoting older adults' social participation and developing innovative solutions. Several member states have launched national strategies against loneliness, following the pioneering model of the United Kingdom, which in 2018 created the world's first Minister for Loneliness.
In this context, companionship technology is gaining traction across Europe. Services like Hermet, which offer daily AI-powered phone conversations, represent a scalable response to a problem that public services alone cannot solve. Several pilot projects in Spain, Italy, and France are evaluating these types of interventions with promising results in reducing perceived isolation indicators and improving medical treatment adherence among participating older adults.