The study is one of the first to use longitudinal measurements — measures that track the same individuals over a period of time — to establish the effects of loneliness over time on young and middle-aged adults. The researchers said their results demonstrate the importance of preserving cognitive health and establishing habits as young and middle-aged adults that can lay the foundation for their lives as older individuals.

“It is never too late to save for retirement, but if you start saving for retirement at age 70, you are going to have a harder time than if you start investing in your financial future when you are young,” Sliwinski said. “It is the same with investing in your cognitive and social health when you are young. If you invest earlier, you are going to have an easier time as you get older.”

Combating loneliness can be challenging for young and middle-aged adults because social structures and methods of connection constantly change. The researchers said intentionality — like scheduling time with others or being present during social interactions — is the best strategy for young and middle-aged adults to address chronic loneliness and prevent its unfavourable cognitive effects.

Loneliness can serve as a signal to make more social connections or ask for help in forming social relationships to sustain positive cognitive function, according to Kang.

“Chronically lonely people are more socially anxious or have negative interpretations of their social relationships,” Kang said. “It may be harder for them to take the first steps in building connections, but social support is essential in reducing loneliness. For those who are lonely, do not be afraid to reach out to others. Even if it is difficult, it is an important life skill to develop for your quality of life and cognitive health.”

The NIH’s National Institute on Ageing (NIA) offers tips for connecting with others for older adults that can also serve younger individuals, according to the researchers.

Lynn Martire, professor of human development and family studies; Jennifer Graham-Engeland, professor of biobehavioral health; and David Almeida, professor of human development and family studies, also contributed to this research.

The NIA helped support this research project.

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