Ageing Alone

Loneliness has been shown to take a serious toll on both mental and physical health – and the risk is especially high for older adults who have lost a partner or live on their own. Using County Health Rankings data, paired with their own survey insights, A Mission for Michael were able to identify the loneliest areas in the U.S. This research shines a light on the realities of isolation – and why connection, purpose, and community support matter more than ever.

The results paint a striking picture. Mississippi sits at the top of the list, with more than seven in ten lonely residents (71.4%) saying they feel that way constantly. That’s more than double what most states report, suggesting that in Mississippi, loneliness isn’t just frequent – it’s relentless. Idaho follows at 54.6%,another stark outlier where lonely residents seem to lack the social or community buffers that might otherwise help ease that weight. Smaller states like Delaware (42.9%) and West Virginia (37.5%) also stand out as places where once loneliness sets in, it’s especially hard to shake.

Not every state tells such a bleak story. On the other end of the scale, Connecticut, Indiana, and Iowa all post single-digit figures, with fewer than one in ten lonely residents saying they feel that way all the time. That suggests these states still offer some reprieve – whether it’s through family ties, community life, or cultural habits that keep isolation from becoming all-consuming. Virginia and Tennessee also sit on the more hopeful side of the spectrum, with just over one in ten residents describing themselves as permanently lonely.

Zooming out, the regional contrasts are just as revealing. The South is particularly striking: Mississippi has the highest levels of “always lonely” residents in the nation, yet just across state lines, Tennessee and Virginia report some of the lowest. It’s a reminder that loneliness isn’t simply a Southern issue, but one shaped by local conditions and community structures. Out West, states like Oregon (36.4%), Washington (34.6%), and Texas (33.3%) trend higher, hinting at the difficulties of wide geographies and independent lifestyles that don’t always translate into consistent support. Meanwhile, many Midwestern states – Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio – hover in the middle-to-lower ranges, reinforcing the region’s reputation for friendly, tight-knit communities, even if they aren’t entirely immune.

What’s clear is that loneliness isn’t evenly distributed across the country, and the difference between being “sometimes” lonely and “always” lonely can dramatically affect someone’s quality of life. These findings highlight not just where loneliness exists, but where it may be most urgent to strengthen community connections and outreach efforts.

https://igraphs.co.za/cached-graphs/AMFM/chronic-loneliness-in-america/live.html

“Loneliness can feel overwhelming, and for some people it becomes a constant state rather than an occasional feeling. That’s why professional treatment and support are so vital – because no one should have to manage the weight of loneliness on their own. With the right care, people can find new ways to connect, build healthier coping strategies, and feel supported in a way that makes a real difference” says Anand Mehta, LMFT, of A Mission for Michael.