In the context of ageing, the term is often used quite broadly. It describes a range of conditions and medical factors that influence a person’s health and functioning, in such a way that they are less able to cope with stressful external factors.

Vulnerability has different dimensions. We can speak of physical vulnerability, mental vulnerability, and social vulnerability. We previously wrote that people have psychological basic needs, including the need to feel connected to other people. Social vulnerability refers to the absence of this sense of connectedness.

Social vulnerability is defined as an increased risk of losing, or already having lost, access to social basic needs such as friendship, support, and interaction with other people. It is characterised by loneliness, living alone, fewer social activities, and a limited social safety net.

Older adults in particular who lose their partner and/or close ones due to life events, or who are less socially active because of physical, mental, or financial limitations, run an increased risk of becoming socially isolated. Social vulnerability often precedes physical vulnerability. It is also associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline, depression, poorer sleep quality, a lower quality of life, reduced physical activity, and a higher mortality rate.

Indicators of social vulnerability

Possible indicators of social vulnerability are:

• Going out among people less often compared to the previous year
• Visiting friends less often
• Feeling alone or feeling unable to help others
• Living alone
• Not talking to anyone all day, every day

(Pradana Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2025, Coundouris Int Psychogeriatr 2025)

What does science say about social vulnerability?

Having meaningful social contacts, especially in older age, not only provides direct social benefits, but also appears to protect against cognitive decline. Research into so-called SuperAgers, people over the age of 80 with the cognitive capacities of people in their 50s or 60s, showed that this group mainly differed in having positive relationships with others compared to a control group. In other words, social interactions and social connectedness in older age not only help people feel happier, but also seem to protect against cognitive decline (Cook & Maher, PLoS ONE 2017).

Research with mice, which like humans are social animals, also shows that social isolation has clear effects. Isolated animals became more anxious, had a disrupted sleep-wake rhythm, and showed less interest in new social interactions, even when they were kept in an enriched environment (Peterman Behav Brain Res 2019). Social isolation causes stress and can lead to memory problems (Wang Exp Neurol 2019). Researchers have even mapped the underlying molecular mechanisms (Wu Transl Psychiatry 2020).

In humans, social isolation can accelerate cognitive decline and increases the risk of developing dementia (see for example Livingston Lancet 2024). Conversely, people with dementia often participate less in social activities and withdraw. Sometimes this process begins even before clear memory problems occur (Alzheimer Nederland, Does loneliness increase the risk of dementia?).

It is therefore not surprising that the WHO lists lack of social contact as one of the fourteen modifiable risk factors for dementia. A more positive self-image and a positive outlook on life are associated with better cognitive functioning in older age. A strong social network plays an important role in this.

But how do you maintain such a network?

What can you do to reduce social vulnerability?

There are various strategies to stay socially active and reduce social vulnerability. Start with small, achievable steps and do what feels accessible. The tips below are mainly intended for healthy people, but can also be applied in adapted form for people with cognitive decline.

1. Maintain existing relationships
Plan regular contact with family, friends, and neighbours through different means, such as by phone, via video calls, or through visits. If planning becomes difficult, ask someone to help and for example set reminders on your phone. Also indicate when you notice that you have cognitive problems and that social interaction requires more effort. You can ask people to invite you more often or encourage you to do things together.

2. Develop new social connections
Join a club, find a new hobby, or pick up an old hobby again. Think of a sports club, religious group, volunteer work, or activities at a community centre. If you are not sure where to start, ask a neighbour or close one to think along or to sign up together somewhere.

3. Ensure intergenerational contact
Intergenerational contact means contact between different generations. Sometimes this arises naturally through children and grandchildren, but it can also develop through friendships with people of different ages. This often works more easily when there is a shared interest, such as a hobby.

4. Stay physically and cognitively active
If possible, try to exercise in a group. Go for walks together instead of alone, do tai chi together, or take dance classes. Research shows that the positive effects of physical activity are enhanced by social interaction. Also keep your mind active, for example by doing puzzles together, reading, or learning a new language.

5. Ensure meaning and purpose
Make sure you feel useful by helping others or doing volunteer work. Keep participating in society, even if things feel different from before. Share your life experiences with younger people. If that becomes more difficult, explain your situation to others and look together at what is still possible.

6. Increase access to technology
Technology can lower the threshold for social contact, especially when physical meetings become more difficult. Make sure you know how to use a tablet or smartphone. Do not hesitate to ask for explanations and take the first steps together with someone. For example, you can try Bike Labyrinth together, cycle through each other’s former holiday destinations, and recall memories together.