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Abstract

This study examined the interrelationships between anxiety, loneliness, and social networks among community-dwelling elderly individuals. A sample of 200 participants aged 65 and above was surveyed using standardized measures, including the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the Lubben Social Network Scale. Data were collected from Sargodha, Faisalabad, and Lahore through structured questionnaires. The results revealed that higher levels of anxiety were moderately associated with increased loneliness, and both were negatively correlated with social network size. Elderly individuals with stronger social ties reported lower levels of loneliness and anxiety. Among demographic variables, gender and financial support emerged as significant factors, with males reporting higher anxiety levels, and those lacking family support experiencing greater loneliness and smaller social networks. These findings align with previous literature and highlight the protective role of social connections in enhancing emotional well-being in older adults.