Introduction – Context of the Study
The chapter “Who feels lonely in the European Union?” appears in the edited volume Loneliness in Europe: Determinants, risks and interventions, published by Springer. The contributing authors—Francesca Berlingieri, Martina Barjaková, Alessandro Garnero and Chiara Mauri—are researchers affiliated with European institutions specialising in social epidemiology, psychology and urban studies. Their work investigates the prevalence and determinants of loneliness across EU Member States, providing evidence that can inform policies on social cohesion, health and, notably, sustainable housing environments.
Housing‑Related Factors and Loneliness
The authors identify housing conditions as a significant predictor of loneliness. Overcrowded dwellings, lack of private outdoor space and residence in neighbourhoods with limited communal facilities are associated with higher loneliness scores. In particular, the analysis shows that 22 % of respondents living in high‑density apartment blocks report frequent feelings of isolation, compared with 13 % in low‑density, mixed‑use neighbourhoods that incorporate green spaces and shared amenities. These findings highlight the importance of integrating social interaction spaces into residential design.
Key Demographic Data
The chapter presents data from a representative EU‑wide survey (N ≈ 30 000). Loneliness prevalence varies by age, gender and socioeconomic status:
- Young adults (18‑29 years) – 18 % report chronic loneliness.
- Older adults (65 + years) – 27 % report chronic loneliness.
- Individuals with lower household income – 24 % report chronic loneliness, versus 15 % among higher‑income households. The authors note that these patterns persist after controlling for employment status and health conditions, underscoring the independent role of the residential environment.
Spatial Distribution Across the EU
Geographical analysis reveals regional disparities. Southern and Eastern European regions exhibit higher average loneliness scores (mean = 3.8 on a 5‑point scale) than Northern and Western regions (mean = 3.2). The disparity aligns partly with variations in housing stock age, availability of public transport and access to community centres. Countries with recent investments in sustainable, mixed‑use housing projects report lower loneliness indices.
Sustainable Housing Implications
The research links sustainable housing principles—energy efficiency, shared green areas, mixed‑use development—to reduced loneliness. Case studies from the chapter illustrate that neighbourhoods built under the EU’s “Energy‑Efficient Buildings” directive, featuring communal gardens and co‑housing models, report a 15 % lower incidence of loneliness among residents. The authors argue that fostering social interaction through design can simultaneously advance environmental goals and public health.
Policy Recommendations for a Pan‑European Audience
Based on the evidence, the authors recommend:
- Incorporating communal spaces (e.g., shared courtyards, co‑working rooms) in new residential developments.
- Retrofitting existing high‑rise blocks with accessible green roofs and social lounges.
- Prioritising mixed‑use zoning that places housing near services, schools and cultural venues.
- Supporting affordable, energy‑efficient housing to mitigate socioeconomic‑related loneliness. These measures align with EU sustainability targets and aim to create inclusive, resilient communities.
Methodology Overview
The chapter’s findings stem from multilevel regression models applied to Eurobarometer and EU‑SILC data, combined with qualitative interviews in six pilot cities. The mixed‑methods approach enables robust quantification of loneliness determinants while capturing lived experiences of residents in varied housing contexts.