COVID-19 Pandemic Affects Time Spent Alone and Age-Related Differences

Strategic Insights -

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted individuals' attitudes and experiences of solitude, with possible age-related differences in the perception of being alone as a resource. Researchers from Middlebury College conducted a study to explore this phenomenon, analyzing responses from 505 adults across four age groups. The results showed that college students and older adults experienced a more positive shift in their attitudes towards solitude, while non-college emerging adults and established adults reported feeling isolated.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic affected individuals' attitudes and experiences of solitude, with possible age-related differences.
  • The study involved 505 adults across four age groups: 105 college students (ages 18-22), 40 non-college emerging adults (ages 18-22), 81 established adults (ages 30-44), and 377 older adults (ages 66-99).
  • Chi-square analyses revealed differences in the valence of responses across age groups, with a greater proportion of positive experiences of solitude among college students and older adults.
  • College students were more than twice as likely as their peers to report increases in their appreciation of solitude and capacity to be alone.
  • Non-college emerging adults were more than twice as likely to report feeling isolated during the pandemic.
  • Descriptive profiles of each age group and developmental and relational implications were discussed in the study.
  • The research was peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Adult Development in 2025.

Statistics:

  • 505 adults participated in the study across four age groups.
  • 105 college students (ages 18-22) were included in the study.
  • 40 non-college emerging adults (ages 18-22) participated in the study.
  • 81 established adults (ages 30-44) were part of the study.
  • 377 older adults (ages 66-99) were included in the research.
  • A greater proportion of positive experiences of solitude were reported by college students (62.9%) and older adults (57.2%) compared to non-college emerging adults (24.4%) and established adults (31.1%).
  • College students were 2.12 times more likely to report increases in their appreciation of solitude and capacity to be alone compared to their peers.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Data from Middlebury College Provide New Insights into COVID-19 (Age-related Variations In Using Solitude As a Resource During the Covid-19 Pandemic). Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. November 2, 2025; p 311.
  • Journal of Adult Development. Age-related Variations In Using Solitude As a Resource During the Covid-19 Pandemic. Springer|plenum Publishers, 233 Spring St, New York, NY 10013, USA. (Springer - www.springer.com; Journal of Adult Development - www.springerlink.com/content/1068-0667/)