Loneliness and depression among older adults with cancer
Published in Frontiers in Aging
July 23, 2026
Introduction
Loneliness is a common and clinically significant concern among older adults with cancer (OACs; age ≥70), who often experience heightened psychological distress compounded by aging-related challenges. The current study sought to identify the nature and magnitude of the relationships between loneliness and other psychosocial variables.
Authors
Addison Kitrel, Ellen Park, Elizabeth Schofield, Caraline Demirjian, Nisha Mehta, Erica E. Fortune, PhD, Christian Nelson, Rebecca Saracino
- Cancer Support Community, Washington, DC, USA
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Yeshiva University Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology
Walther Center for Supportive Oncology
Methods
Data were drawn from the baseline assessment of an ongoing randomized controlled trial of psychotherapy for distressed OACs. Loneliness was assessed using the PROMIS Social Isolation measure. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale–Depression subscale and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Psychosocial factors included attitudes toward aging, demoralization, and anxiety. Fully adjusted regression models were conducted to examine the independent associations of loneliness and psychosocial factors with depressive symptoms while accounting for demographic covariates.
Results
Among 258 participants, social isolation was positively associated with depressive symptoms at the bivariate level (CES-D: r =.694; p <.001; HADS-D: r =.629, p <.001). In fully adjusted models, social isolation (p <.001), anxiety (p = 0.015), and demoralization (p = 0.001) were independently associated with depressive symptoms.
Conclusions
Findings suggest that loneliness is independently associated with depressive symptoms among distressed OACs, even when accounting for other psychosocial variables and demographic characteristics. Anxiety and demoralization showed stronger and more consistent associations with depressive symptoms than attitudes toward aging. Although causal direction cannot be inferred from cross-sectional data, results highlight potential psychosocial targets for intervention and underscore the need for longitudinal research to clarify the dynamic relationships among loneliness, psychosocial factors, and depression in OACs.
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Related CSC Resources
Discover more about our work to understand and share information with our community about cancer-related distress and the role of distress screening to identify and address unmet needs throughout the cancer experience.
Coping With Emotions: Feeling Lonely or Isolated
This resource addresses loneliness and social isolation among people with cancer, aligning with the study’s findings linking loneliness to depressive symptoms. It also offers practical strategies, including support groups, counseling, and community connections.
Coping With Mental Health Concerns
The study links loneliness with anxiety, demoralization, and depressive symptoms. This resource addresses similar mental health concerns in cancer care and highlights CSC research on anxiety and depression, emphasizing the importance of psychosocial support.
Institute for Excellence in Psychosocial Care
This program integrates psychosocial care into cancer treatment to help reduce distress and anxiety, aligning with the study’s emphasis on addressing loneliness, anxiety, and demoralization among older adults with cancer.
Keywords
Cancer Experience Registry Emotional and mental health Social support and well-being Quality of life Coping with cancer Survivorship