Despite the large amount of research into loneliness, the evidence base around effective ways of tackling loneliness among older adults is limited.Up to one-half of all older adults Family regularly feel lonely, negatively impacting physical and mental health.In light of population aging, family dispersal, and in the aftermath of COVID-19, it is vital that we grow the evidence base around the lived experience of older people, knowing what they want and why, and ensuring community services and supports are meaningful to them.Method: Three focus groups were held with community-dwelling older adults in Ireland.Results: Loneliness is associated Hockey Sticks - Junior with the loss of familiarity and connection to community.
Conclusions: Understanding loneliness in later life is increasingly important with population aging.As plans for ending confinement linked to COVID-19 are devised, a mechanism is urgently needed to sustain the positive changes to communities which have meaningfully connected with older adults.