DistantButClose

About the project

The DistantButClose project (2024-2027), funded by BELSPO, aims to investigate the effects of the COVID-19 crisis on loneliness and social isolation across different sociodemographic groups, as well as the public health impact of loneliness and social isolation during pandemic times. Unlike previous research, mainly focusing on immediate short-term effects, this project explores long-term consequences by using data from reliable and high-quality secondary databases and by conducting focus groups. The four main objectives include (1) studying the influence of loneliness and social isolation on individuals’ willingness to adhere to preventive measures during a health crisis, (2) examining short-term and long-term effects of the crisis on loneliness and social isolation in the Belgian and European population, (3) exploring the long-term effects and related inequalities in two specific age groups that have been disproportionately affected during the initial phase of the pandemic: adolescents (in secondary education) and older adults (aged 65 years and over), and (4) analysing the influence of contextual conditions on shaping the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic for loneliness, social isolation and associated inequalities through focus groups with policymakers and stakeholders. The findings will be published in the form of scientific publications and policy reports. Ultimately, this project aims to develop policy recommendations for structural interventions and its discussion with Belgian and European policymakers, aiming at better preparation for future pandemics.