Key result
Low social integration among older veterans is linked to depression and PTSD.
Why the study?
Older US veterans experience disproportionately high rates of social isolation and loneliness, but veteran-specific risk and protective factors remain underexamined.
Systematic Review (n=32)
This scoping review highlights the structural, functional, and quality-based factors contributing to social isolation and loneliness among older US veterans.
Supports screening older veterans for social disconnectedness to flag mental health risks; leaves open causal mechanisms and intervention effects for prospective trials.
BackgroundOlder U.S. veterans (≥65) experience disproportionately high rates of social isolation and loneliness, yet veteran-specific risk and protective factors remain underexamined.ObjectiveTo synthesize research on social isolation and loneliness among community-dwelling US veterans aged 65+, using the Social Connection Framework to identify structural, functional, and quality-based factors with implications for clinical practice and applied gerontology research.MethodsGuided by PRISMA-ScR, the review searched three databases (2004-2025), screened 6,835 articles, and peer-reviewed studies assessed social isolation or loneliness among veterans aged ≥65. Thirty-two studies met the inclusion criteria.ResultsMost studies examined a single domain: structural (38%), functional (34%), or quality (19%). Structural indicators reflected limited engagement and smaller networks. Functional factors emphasized perceived support and emotional trust. Quality factors aligned with wellbeing. Depression, anxiety, and PTSD were more common with low integration, whereas resilience aligned with emotional ties and perceived inclusion.
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Cruz et al. (2026) conducted a systematic review in Social isolation and loneliness (n=32). Factors related to social disconnectedness was evaluated on Structural, functional, and quality-based factors of social connection. Among older US veterans, social disconnectedness was primarily examined through structural (38%), functional (34%), or quality (19%) domains, with low integration linked to depression and PTSD.
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