The association between loneliness and health - a survey-based study among middle-aged and older adults in Denmark.

Background: While the association between overall poor health and loneliness among older adults continues to be examined closely, less attention has been given to middle-aged adults. This paper examines the relationship between loneliness and health as measured by self-rated health, physical ability and multi-morbidity in a large sample of Danish adults between the ages of 52-92 years. Furthermore, it identifies vulnerable groups with regard to the year of birth and gender.