Red Cross loneliness barometer: Nearly two-thirds of the Finnish population experience loneliness; isolation and loneliness are most common among young people and young adults

The experiences of loneliness of those residing in Finland have continued to increase since last year, when 59 per cent experienced loneliness at least sometimes. Now, the corresponding figure is 65 per cent.

The share of those who experience loneliness often has also increased slightly. Now, one in five in Finland experience loneliness once a week or more frequently. The situation among 16–24-year-olds is even more alarming.

“The results of the barometer for young people and young adults are sobering. Nearly one third of them experience loneliness at least once a week or more frequently. The rising trend and prevalence of loneliness in Finland must be taken seriously. As a society, we cannot afford to lose these young people to multifaceted suffering,” says Social Welfare Coordinator Maaret Alaranta from the Finnish Red Cross.

The barometer shows that those who experienced loneliness were less satisfied with their financial situation, free time, physical health and, in particular, their interpersonal relationships, mental health and life in general than those who did not experience loneliness to a meaningful extent. 

“Loneliness is all-encompassing for many. More than one in ten of the respondents say that they do not have any close friends with whom they can share their personal matters. We, as a society, can do better,” says Alaranta.

The most common reason for loneliness is the experience of feeling like an outsider or different. Foreign-language speakers, in particular, report that the experience of feeling like an outsider is the reason for their loneliness. In addition to these reasons, key factors behind experiencing loneliness among young people and young adults include shyness and social anxiety. Furthermore, one in three 16–24-year-olds consider mental health problems as one of the reasons for their loneliness.

Loneliness has caused the most mental health problems among young people

16–24-year-olds and 25–34-year-olds are the loneliest demographic groups in Finland, and they also have the most experiences of isolation and exclusion. Up to 59 per cent of 16–24-year-olds and 57 per cent of 25–34-year-olds experience loneliness regularly, i.e. a few times a month or more frequently. 

One in three 16–24-year-olds feel that loneliness has caused them mental health problems. In addition, 16–24-year-old and 25–34-year-old respondents are the least satisfied with their own mental health. 

“The lower the income and the younger the respondent, the more likely they are to experience loneliness, isolation and exclusion. Furthermore, the more likely they are to feel that loneliness has caused them mental health problems. The results paint a picture of a group of young people and young adults who live in uncertainty and on too many faltering pillars of safe life: finances, a network of close friends, and mental health,” says Alaranta. 

The barometer shows that, in addition to young demographic groups, loneliness has caused mental health problems in particular among students, people with low income and foreign-language speakers. Some of the respondents belong to all of these groups at the same time.

“The results clearly indicate that various vulnerabilities, such as a young age, poor financial situation and a foreign-language background, increase the risk of experiencing loneliness, exclusion and isolation as well as mental health problems,” says Alaranta.

The shame related to loneliness has declined in Finland per the barometer, but young people feel the most ashamed out of all the age groups and, consequently, decide not to seek help. 

“Young people and young adults do not seem to know where to seek help for their loneliness. It is important that professionals know how to address loneliness in the same way as mental health problems so that young people can get help at an early stage and that the correct solutions can be determined together. There are a wide variety of reasons behind loneliness and they can be affected by providing comprehensive support. Some require support in improving their social skills, while others need a place where they can become part of a community,” says Nettiturvis Online Help Specialist Johanna Velling from the Finnish Red Cross.

Financial insecurity undermines life and reduces social interactions

All respondents have become less satisfied with their financial situation over the past year. The financial situation of 25–34-year-olds and foreign-language speakers is particularly poor.

“The respondents’ financial situation has declined, reducing satisfaction with various areas of life. It is not surprising that it may be difficult to establish or deepen friendships if your daily life consists of surviving with your finances and not having any extra money to spend on free time activities. 25–34-year-olds who have moved out of their childhood homes are the most likely to be forced to skip social events due to their poor financial situation,” says Alaranta.

To alleviate loneliness in Finland, solutions and actions are required at all levels of society.

“As a society, we must offer an adequate financial and social safety net so that younger generations can live a more secure and less vulnerable life. The public and third sectors must ensure that support is easily available and arrange free, open meeting places across Finland,” suggests Alaranta. 

Loneliness barometer 2026(pdf)

This was the fifth time that the Finnish Red Cross used a barometer to study loneliness, its effects and the reasons behind it. The data collection for the Loneliness Barometer was carried out by Verian in December 2025. The number of respondents to the survey was 1,404 people and the material represents and has been weighted to correspond to the population. The confidence interval of the results is +- 2.6 percentage points for the total result. Similar to the 2025 barometer, the study was carried out as an online questionnaire. The previous barometers were carried out by Taloustutkimus as a phone survey. The Finnish Red Cross uses these barometers to regularly monitor the loneliness situation in Finland.