Overview

• A study involving 4,995 Dutch retirees abroad and 1,338 in the Netherlands found higher levels of social loneliness among those who moved overseas.
• Social loneliness stems from weaker or fewer broad social connections, while emotional loneliness, tied to close relationships like a spouse, was not significantly different.
• Retirees who lost contact with family and close friends from their home country were both socially and emotionally lonelier.
• Maintaining connections with neighbors and fostering a sense of belonging in the new country helped reduce social loneliness.
• Experts advise prospective retirees to carefully consider the impact of migration on their social networks and long-term well-being.