Treating Loneliness as a Clinical Risk
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By
February 12, 2026
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3 min
A randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Network Open revealed that telephone-delivered behavioral activation and mindfulness interventions significantly reduced loneliness and enhanced well-being among older adults over a 12-month period. The study involved 1,151 solo-living adults aged 65 and older in Hong Kong, who participated in these low-intensity interventions led by trained lay counselors. Improvements were noted in various well-being metrics, suggesting its potential to inform scalable behavioral health programs targeting loneliness as a clinical risk factor.
1. Telephone interventions reduced loneliness in older adults. 2. Study involved 1,151 adults aged 65+. 3. Behavioral activation (Tele-BA) and mindfulness (Tele-MF) used. 4. Improvements in well-being metrics like sleep quality. 5. Significant reductions in loneliness assessed at various intervals. 6. Study conducted in Hong Kong with specific cultural characteristics. 7. Additional research needed for generalizability.
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