Introduction — a major demographic challenge
Europe is undergoing a profound demographic transition: in 2023, nearly 95.7 million people over the age of 65 were living in the European Union, representing 21.6% of the population, including 41.3 million men (≈ 9%). In this context of massive aging, loneliness and social isolation emerge as public health and social cohesion issues require appropriate political and societal responses.
Context of the study: why focus on older men?
The study, commissioned by Friends of the Elderly Ireland and conducted by the think tank TASC, was carried out in partnership with two other members of the International Federation of Petits Frères des Pauvres. The Polish organization Stowarzyszenie mali bracia ubogich and the Romanian organization Never Alone Romania collaborated on the project. The study was designed to better understand a common observation in the field: loneliness among older men is real but manifests itself differently than it does among women. It also remains less visible in public policy and social programs.
This research is part of the 20th anniversary of the European Union’s eastern enlargement, with the aim of comparing the realities between the western and eastern countries of the continent.
Methodology — a mixed approach focused on the voices of older people
The research combines an analysis of secondary data (demographic statistics, national policies) and a qualitative survey: 25 in-depth interviews conducted between October 2024 and January 2025 with men aged 60 to 92: nine in Ireland, eight in Poland, and eight in Romania.
The interviews were conducted in the local language to best capture cultural nuances.
The authors point out that while some participants were involved in organization, others lived in almost total isolation. This diversity of profiles aims to reflect a broad spectrum of social and emotional situations.
Key findings—figures, dynamics, and testimonials
The study highlights that loneliness is a cross-cutting reality in the three countries analyzed, although it takes different forms and varies in intensity depending on the socioeconomic, cultural, and historical context. The differences observed relate not so much to the frequency of feelings of loneliness as to the way in which they are experienced, expressed, and managed.
In Ireland, around a third of older people surveyed say they often feel lonely, particularly those who live alone or suffer from chronic health problems. Community initiatives, such as Men’s Sheds and social clubs, provide effective spaces for socialization, but are not always enough to counter emotional loneliness. Several participants express a feeling of “no real connection.” For researchers, this form of loneliness is less related to a lack of contact than to the quality of relationships. Loneliness is not just a question of physical presence, it is also a question of recognition and meaningful exchange.
In Poland, loneliness is particularly prevalent among the over-80s and widowers. Twenty-six percent of older people say they often feel lonely, while 13% never leave their homes. The men surveyed cited fatigue, poverty, and lack of transport infrastructure as major barriers to social participation. In both Poland and Romania, the report also notes a strong reluctance to express emotions: men of this generation have been accustomed to enduring in silence; talking about loneliness is seen as a sign of weakness. This culture of silence reinforces marginalization and delays requests for help, even when isolation becomes severe.
In Romania, loneliness reaches particularly high levels: up to 60% of older adults living in urban areas report feeling lonely often, and 30% say they have no one to contact in case of need. The study attributes these figures, among other things, to weak community infrastructure and the erosion of local solidarity.
Across the board, the study identifies several recurring dynamics: the loss of a spouse and living alone appear to be the main triggers of loneliness. Deteriorating physical health and reduced mobility accentuate isolation. Less intuitively, despite maintaining contact with family, many men express the feeling that they no longer occupy a meaningful place within their social circle. The study also notes that the desire not to be a burden is a major obstacle to seeking help.
Thus, beyond the figures, the report highlights a form of male loneliness that is often internalized, silent, and structural. It consists of geographical isolation, but also a loss of social role, recognition, and perceived usefulness.
Recommendations — towards tailored and inclusive responses
At the end of its analysis, the report Loneliness among Older Men in Western and Eastern Europe sets out a series of concrete recommendations to guide public policy and social action. These proposals are not intended to standardize approaches, but rather to develop responses tailored to each national context, based on common principles of dignity and inclusion.
The authors first emphasize the need to develop social spaces specifically designed for older men, in order to encourage forms of expression and engagement that are more natural for them. The report highlights the example of Irish Men’s Sheds—community workshops where participants gather around manual activities or collective projects—as a model that can be replicated in other European contexts. These places allow men to maintain a sense of usefulness and community, without the constraint of an explicit therapeutic approach.
Another key recommendation concerns improving mobility and access to local facilities, particularly in rural or disadvantaged areas. In Poland and Romania, geographical distance, transportation costs, and the lack of adequate infrastructure are major barriers to social participation. The report notes that the inability to travel transforms temporary loneliness into permanent isolation.
Researchers therefore recommend the implementation of low-cost community transportation systems, home visit services, and partnerships with local authorities to facilitate the movement of older adults to activity centers or medical appointments.
Finally, the report emphasizes the importance of revaluing the social role of older men. It calls for a rethinking of the place society accords them after retirement and for the promotion of initiatives that reinforce their sense of usefulness. This revaluation involves recognizing their skills and creating intergenerational spaces where they can pass on their knowledge and experience.
Other recommendations, detailed in the full report, concern digital inclusion, economic security, and the co-construction of public policies with older people themselves. The study emphasizes that policies to combat loneliness can only be effective if they are designed with the people concerned, not for them. To further your research and discover all the strategic recommendations, we invite you to consult the study.
A better understanding for better action.
This comparative study (Ireland, Poland, Romania) provides a documented overview of the current situation and operational recommendations that can be directly used by organizations in the field and public decision-makers. The conclusions confirm that, despite different contexts, shared responses are needed to combat loneliness.
The International Federation of Little Brothers of the Poor, which brings together 14 associations around the world, is positioned as an international player in the fight against isolation and precariousness among older people. This study, carried out by three of its members, reflects the expertise of the network. Since 1979, the International Federation of Petits Frères des Pauvres has been working to address global demographic change.
For a comprehensive review of methods, interviews, and country-by-country data, see the full report: Loneliness among older men in Western and Eastern Europe. TASC, for Friends of the Elderly.
