Loneliness in the Baltic-Nordic Region: OPEN ACCESS PEER-REVIEWED CHAPTER

This book chapter investigates loneliness among older adults (67+) in Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, aiming to identify demographic trends in loneliness within these Baltic and Nordic populations. The findings indicate a higher loneliness rate in the Baltics, with Latvia at 45%, compared to lower rates in Denmark and Finland at 17% and 20%, respectively. The overall loneliness prevalence in the Baltic countries is 34%, significantly higher than the 22% in Nordic countries. Gender differences are evident, with women more likely to report loneliness, especially in the Baltics (41% for women vs. 27% for men in the Nordics). Additionally, the study notes age disparities, highlighting that individuals 76 and older in the Baltics are more prone to loneliness (40%) than their Nordic peers (28%). These patterns underscore the need to consider gender and age in addressing loneliness among the elderly, shedding light on the varying experiences of loneliness across these regions.