Loneliness Isn't Just About Being Alone: What International Families Can Learn From New Research

As parents, caregivers, and family members, we often assume that loneliness is simply the result of spending too much time alone. Yet new research suggests the reality is far more complex—and understanding this complexity can help families better support both younger and older generations.

A recent study published in Developmental Psychology (Wild, T., Willroth, E. C., & English, T. (2026). Social interactions and loneliness in daily life: A study of younger adults and cognitively diverse older adults. Developmental Psychology, 62(7), 1377–1392. https://doi.org/10.1037/dev0002069) examined daily social interactions and feelings of loneliness among younger adults, cognitively healthy older adults, and older adults living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The findings offer valuable insights for international families, many of whom navigate geographic distance, cultural transitions, multilingual households, and changing family structures.

Loneliness and Social Contact Don't Always Match

One of the most important findings from the study is that loneliness and social interaction are not always directly connected. Researchers refer to this as social asymmetry—when a person may have frequent social contact but still feel lonely, or spend significant time alone without experiencing loneliness.

This distinction is especially relevant in today's globally connected world. A teenager may spend hours chatting online with friends yet feel disconnected. A grandparent may live alone but feel emotionally fulfilled through meaningful relationships and community engagement.

The key message: the quality and meaning of social connections often matter more than the quantity.

Younger Adults May Be More Vulnerable Than We Think

Contrary to common assumptions, the researchers found that younger adults reported feeling lonelier than older adults on average.

For many international families, this finding may resonate. Young adults today face unique challenges:

• Relocations across countries and cultures

• Academic and career pressures

• Social media comparisons

• Separation from extended family networks

• Building new friendships in unfamiliar environments

The study found that younger adults' feelings of loneliness were strongly influenced by recent social interactions. After meaningful contact with others, loneliness tended to decrease significantly.

This suggests that younger adults may be particularly sensitive to fluctuations in their social lives. A period of isolation, a move to a new country, or difficulty fitting into a new community can have a substantial emotional impact.

Why Face-to-Face Connections Still Matter

In an era of video calls, messaging apps, and social media, the study provides an important reminder: face-to-face interactions were associated with lower loneliness across all age groups.

Digital communication can help maintain relationships across continents, something many international families rely on daily. However, virtual connections may not always provide the same emotional benefits as in-person interactions.

Families can support wellbeing by encouraging opportunities for real-world connection:

• Community events

• Cultural celebrations

• Sports and extracurricular activities

• Family meals

• Shared hobbies and interests

• Intergenerational gatherings

Even small moments of in-person connection can make a meaningful difference.

Understanding Loneliness in Older Adults

The study also found that cognitively healthy older adults generally reported lower levels of loneliness than younger adults.

This finding challenges stereotypes that aging automatically leads to loneliness. Many older adults develop strong emotional resilience over time and may place greater value on a smaller number of meaningful relationships rather than maintaining large social networks.

For international families, this can be reassuring. Grandparents living independently may not necessarily experience loneliness simply because they spend more time alone. Emotional wellbeing depends on many factors, including relationship quality, purpose, and personal coping strategies.

Special Considerations for Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment

One particularly important finding involved older adults living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Unlike the other groups, their loneliness levels were not strongly connected to the amount of recent social interaction. Instead, the closeness of the relationship appeared to matter more.

This suggests that for older adults experiencing cognitive changes, meaningful relationships with trusted individuals may provide greater emotional protection than simply increasing social activity.

Families can support loved ones with MCI by:

• Prioritizing consistent, familiar relationships

• Encouraging regular visits from close family members

• Creating predictable social routines

• Maintaining emotional connection through shared activities

• Focusing on quality rather than quantity of interactions

For globally dispersed families, even regular video calls with familiar faces can help preserve a sense of connection and belonging.

What This Means for International Families

Families living across cultures often experience unique opportunities and challenges. Children may grow up between countries, parents may relocate for work, and grandparents may live thousands of kilometers away.

This research reminds us that loneliness is not simply about physical distance.

Instead, emotional connection grows through:

• Feeling understood

• Having meaningful conversations

• Maintaining close relationships

• Participating in shared experiences

• Building a sense of belonging within communities

Whether supporting a university student adjusting to a new country, a parent navigating expatriate life, or an aging relative experiencing cognitive changes, focusing on relationship quality can have a powerful impact on wellbeing.

Practical Takeaways for Parents and Caregivers

Based on the research, families may benefit from:

For Children and Young Adults

• Encourage face-to-face friendships and activities.

• Pay attention to signs of loneliness even when social media use appears high.

• Support community involvement after moves or transitions.

• Create regular family connection rituals.

For Older Adults

• Focus on maintaining meaningful relationships rather than maximizing social events.

• Encourage participation in valued social activities.

• Avoid assuming that living alone equals loneliness.

For Older Adults With Cognitive Changes

• Prioritize emotionally close relationships.

• Maintain familiar routines and trusted social contacts.

• Support regular, meaningful family engagement.

Final Thoughts

Loneliness is a deeply human experience that affects people differently throughout life. This new research highlights that younger adults may be particularly vulnerable to loneliness, while older adults often demonstrate resilience. For those living with mild cognitive impairment, close and trusted relationships may be especially important.

For international families, the message is both simple and powerful: meaningful connection matters. Whether across the dinner table or across continents, relationships built on closeness, understanding, and shared experiences remain one of the strongest protections against loneliness at every stage of life.

At Baumgarten Child Psychology and More, we believe that emotional wellbeing develops through connection, belonging, and supportive relationships. By understanding how loneliness affects different generations, families can take meaningful steps toward building stronger and healthier connections together.