The lonely have marked feelings of loss, distress, separation, and isolation which can be started by the loss of a spouse or companion, or the loss of income, or health or simply by retiring from a satisfying job and leaving a network of friendly fellow workers. Sometimes a pet keeps people from being lonely. It can be touched, fondled, watched and played with. It can make you feel safe and stimulate exercise by its need to be walked or cared for. A pet can give elderly owners some structure to their day.
Churches have a significant role to play in protecting the elderly from loneliness.
The victim feels bored, empty, excluded, and full of self-pity. Sex and age don't predict loneliness, but marital status, self perceived health status, income, social activity, and social fulfillment do. It's so satisfying to 'sell' my hometown to interested travelers. Volunteers have fun. Bad health can isolate some elderly from activities and social fulfillment.