Loneliness as a Predictor of Disability in Older Adults: Implications of the UCLA Loneliness Scale Cutoff Score Across Cultural Contexts

Background: This letter responds to the study by Tomida et al. (2024) that validates the optimal cutoff score for the UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLA-LS) to predict disability among older Japanese adults. The study identifies a cutoff score of 44, providing a significant indicator for the early detection of at-risk individuals.

Objective: To discuss the implications of the identified cutoff score for public health and clinical practice, including its potential for early intervention and cross-cultural validation.

Methods: This commentary critically analyzes the findings of Tomida et al. (2024) and situates them within the broader literature on loneliness, disability, and aging. It also considers the multifactorial aspects of loneliness and disability in older adults.

Results: The UCLA-LS cutoff score of 44 serves as a practical benchmark for clinicians, which can be integrated into routine health assessments to identify individuals at risk. We underscore the need for additional research on cross-cultural validation and mechanisms linking loneliness to disability.

Conclusion: We advocate for incorporating social support measures into standard care for older adults to mitigate the effects of loneliness on disability. This letter suggests future research directions, including exploring the causal pathways between loneliness and disability and developing culturally appropriate interventions.