The Pathway From Loneliness to Chronic Diseases: Examining the Mediating Roles of Depression and Self-Perceived Health, and the Moderating Effect of Age Among Older Adults in Israel

Gizell Green, Alena Lochmannová, Tammy Porat-Packer, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley College, Jezreel Valley, Shoham Geriatric Center, Ministry of Health, Pardes Hanna-Karkur, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Czech Republic, Hospital Deputy Director, Shoham Medical Center, Pardes Hanna-Karkur

Journal of Applied Gerontology

Published online on June 26, 2025

Abstract

Journal of Applied Gerontology, Volume 45, Issue 5, Page 939-950, May 2026.
Background:Loneliness is a well-established risk factor for health problems, including chronic diseases; yet the mechanisms linking loneliness to morbidity remain unexplained, especially in later life.Objective:To test a pathway from loneliness to ...