This thesis shows that loneliness in older adults is not only personal but also related to social networks. Lonely people are often positioned closer to other lonely people within those networks. However, this does not automatically mean that loneliness spreads from person to person: similar people often also seek each other out. In addition, the research shows that targeted, personalized interventions are likely to work better than a single standard approach for everyone. Interventions that fit a person’s situation and needs seem especially promising. Digital tools also offer opportunities, but only if they are simple, appealing, and well-tailored to older users. In this way, this thesis offers starting points for more personalized and effective support in addressing loneliness.
Bastiaan Dirk Léon Châtel (1991, Haarlem) studied Psychobiology at the University of Amsterdam and later completed a Master’s in Computational Science. In 2020 he started his PhD at Radboud university medical center in collaboration with the University of Amsterdam. After working as a researcher at TNO, he now works as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Amsterdam.