Story perspectives

Loneliness Increased Among Older Smokers Across 15 Countries

9/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

European researchers reported that older smokers’ loneliness rose over two years across 15 countries.
The analysis used data from over 50,000 participants in Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe.
Average participants were about 67, with 22% smoking and 48.5% having two chronic illnesses.
Dr Keir Philip presented the findings at a Barcelona conference.
Researchers cautioned that depression, low income and poor health could also explain the smoking-loneliness link.

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Story summary

European researchers reported that older smokers’ loneliness rose over two years across 15 countries.
The analysis used data from over 50,000 participants in Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe.
Average participants were about 67, with 22% smoking and 48.5% having two chronic illnesses.
Dr Keir Philip presented the findings at a Barcelona conference.
Researchers cautioned that depression, low income and poor health could also explain the smoking-loneliness link.