Jerome Novotny , OMI – Dear Friends for Life: Have you ever had a pervasive feeling of being alone, empty inside, or cut off from others? For many older adults, loneliness is a painful and distressing experience caused by a gap between their desired and their actual levels of social connection. Unlike simple social isolation, which is an objective lack of contact, loneliness is the subjective emotional pain of feeling alone, even when surrounded by others. The loss of loved ones, declining health, and a loss of purpose can intensify feelings of loneliness. The painful experience can result in a higher risk of depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and even premature death.
Elderly loneliness is a significant global human life issue, with an estimated 25–34% of older adults globally experiencing loneliness or social isolation.
Example 1: The rates of loneliness and social isolation among older adults in the U.S. reveal approximately 33% reporting loneliness and 29% reporting isolation, according to a study published in JAMA. Loneliness is a global concern, as evidenced by the WHO Commission on Social Connection, which declared it a public health priority.
Example 2: Europe’s aging population faces an increase in social isolation and loneliness, with nearly 20% of older adults living alone. Social isolation refers to declining social contacts, while loneliness, on the other hand, is the subjective experience of unmet social needs. Aging, living alone, and deteriorating health are the causes of both social isolation and loneliness among older adults. These causes result in mental and physical health issues, increasing the risk of depression and suicide. The population of older people is defined as those aged 65 years or more. This number in the EU continues to increase significantly from 90.5 million in 2019 and will reach 129.8 million by 2050. Read: Aging population in Europe: A demographic crisis for the EU?
Example 3: Asia’s aging population is also a major demographic trend, which is expected to reach approximately 1.3 billion by 2050, making up about one-quarter of the continent’s population. In 2020, about 13.6% of the Asia and Pacific population constituted this group, a figure that is rising rapidly due to factors like declining birth rates and increased life expectancy.
In the past, loneliness was not a major concern because families took care of their aging parents; however, today this trend is changing rapidly. Take Japan, which has more than 8.55 million Japanese people who live alone and have no family members living nearby. Last week (September 2025), statistics showed the number of people in Japan aged 100 or older has risen to a record high of nearly 100,000. These figures were released ahead of Japan’s Elderly Day on 15 September 2025, a national holiday where new centenarians receive a congratulatory letter and silver cup from the prime minister. This year, 52,310 individuals were eligible, the health ministry said.
As a community, are we aware of what happens to the elderly?
One politician in Japan publicly stated several years ago, “Old people are growing more and more selfish. Human beings have an obligation to die at a suitable time.” An autonomous writer states, “The only hope is to throw our parents away.” In early history, Japanese abandoned their aged parents to starve on mountaintops. In modern history, euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide are replacing this ancient procedure as acceptable, humane options.
Traditionally, “the elderly” are people aged 65 and older who are suffering from terminal illness, dementia, or cancer or are at a certain level of physical deterioration. On the other hand, the term “unwanted elderly” focuses on being victims of abuse and exploitation.
For example:
- Financial Abuse: Elderly individuals can be targets of theft or misuse of their money, assets, or personal information by people in positions of trust or care.
- Physical & Emotional Abuse: This includes harm from those with whom the older person has a relationship, such as a spouse, partner, family member, friend, or paid caregiver.
- Neglect Abuse: This occurs when an older adult is not provided with necessary care, such as proper food, shelter, or medical attention.
- Coercive Control Abuse: Older adults might be pressured into giving money or property, or their relationships with family and friends may be controlled or threatened.
Advocates of assisted suicide debate the unhealthy question, “At what point does life cease to be worth living?” As Catholics, we reject the validity of this question.
For Catholics, one clear reason for “why life is worth living for the elderly“ is centered on God, who provides a value that transcends physical abilities and is characterized by faith, wisdom, community, and purpose. God’s love and care, along with the wisdom gained through experience, offer comfort and meaning, enabling elderly individuals to continue bearing fruit and fulfilling planned charitable works.
This fundamental question, “Is life worth living?” reminds me of the title of Archbishop Fulton Sheen‘s famous television show, “Life is Worth Living.” The series presents many answers to the meaning of life and its value to live.
St. Teresa of Avila writes, “Lord, save us from gloomy saints!” One of the marks of the Christian life is joy, no matter what age, because of God’s endless mercy towards us. As we get older, we realize that we can’t get to Heaven by our own. Rather, God, out of love for us, reaches down, picks us up, and provides us the strength and grace to trust in His mercy, if only we give Him our fiat as Mary did. If you give your fiat daily, you will experience God’s love and Christian joy.
Scott Hahn‘s series offers many thoughts on this topic. Watch Scott Hahn’s Epistle of Joy, Apostle of Joy and try to apply St. Paul’s words to your life.
In the New Testament, we read in Philippians 1:6: “And I am sure of this: that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion on the day of Jesus Christ.” Read Philippians, which is short and, as stated above, often called The Epistle of Joy.
From a Catholic perspective, “life is worth living in old age,” which is a time for spiritual depth, bearing witness to one’s faith, and continuing to offer gifts of wisdom and memory to younger generations. Old age is viewed as a period of preparation for eternal life with God and a valuable stage where elderly individuals can deepen their faith, provide guidance, and show gratitude for the journey of life, even as they approach its end.
Life remains valuable in old age. Why?
- A time of ongoing discovery and grace: Each day in old age can be an opportunity to uncover meaning and engage with life, rather than just waiting for death. Elderly people can receive God’s grace, which can help them grow through difficulties and forge their character.
- A period of spiritual growth and preparation: Old age is considered a time to re-examine faith, strive for holiness, and prepare for the fullness of God’s love in eternal life. This period is sacred for giving thanks to God for life, the people encountered, and the experiences gained.
- Guardians of memory and wisdom: Pope John Paul II called the elderly “guardians of collective memory,” able to provide society with the maturity and wisdom to guide the present and future. They also offer valuable perspectives and advice to younger people, enriching society through their presence.
- A powerful witness to faith: As elderly individuals approach death, their steadfast faith and approach to it become a powerful and valuable witness to the younger generation. This final act of discipleship inspires and strengthens the Christian community.
- A source of enrichment for the Church and society: Pope Francis emphasizes that elderly people are a “treasure” that the younger generation should not be deprived of. Their presence promotes mutual dependence and solidarity between generations, allowing all to draw enrichment from each other’s unique gifts.
Pope Francis spoke often on the duty of honoring our senior citizens, which he associated with the biblical commandment to honor one’s parents. This especially applies today when parents, “having become older and less useful, are marginalized to the point of abandonment.”
The Pope explained that “to honor” can be understood “as the duty to have extreme respect and to take care of those who, because of their physical or social condition, could be left to die, or ‘made to die.'” A society where the elderly are discarded carries within it the virus of death.”
To youth: the Pope concluded, “Where the elderly are not honored, there is no future for the young.”
Article worth reading:
Reducing social isolation and loneliness among older people
God Bless
Jerry Novotny, OMI
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(The Difference is LIFE)
Human Life: the Catholic Church strongly proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. This belief is the foundation of all the principles of our social teaching. In our society, human life is under direct attack from abortion and euthanasia. Cloning, embryonic stem cell research, and the use of the death penalty threaten the value of human life. The intentional targeting of civilians in war or terrorist attacks is always wrong. Catholic teaching also calls on us to work to avoid war. Nations must protect the right to life by finding increasingly effective ways to prevent conflicts and resolve them by peaceful means. We think that people are more important than things, that every person is precious, and that institutions are judged by their impact on human life and dignity. Life and Dignity of the Human Person
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Websites by Fr. Jerry
(English) LifeIssues.net – Pro Life Website
(English) Fighting for the Culture of Life – Fr. Jerry’s Blog
(English) Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate – Japan and Korea
(Japanese) Japan-lifeissues.net – Pro Life Website
(Japanese) Human Rights: The Road to a Happy Life – Fr. Jerry’s Blog
(Japanese) Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate – Japan and Korea
