Loneliness and living: The trigger effect of living arrangements and self-reported health in adults 45+ – a LASI cross-sectional study.

Loneliness, a distressing emotion resulting from unmet social needs, is a growing public health issue. This study analyzes data from the 2017–2018 LASI Wave-1 to examine the impact of socio-demographic and lifestyle factors on loneliness among Indians aged 45 and older. Key variables include age, sex, marital status, residence, living arrangement, physical activity, tobacco and alcohol use, and self-reported health. The findings reveal that living alone significantly increases the likelihood of loneliness, with individuals 4.35 times more at risk compared to those living with spouses and children. Those living with others are 2.33 times more prone to loneliness. Poor health is linked to a 1.53 times higher risk, while physical inactivity increases loneliness risk (OR = 1.19). Interestingly, alcohol consumption appears to slightly reduce loneliness (OR = 0.94). The study highlights the critical role of family support and perceived health in mitigating loneliness in community-based settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]