The modern lifestyle in Italy is changing. In the most frenetic cities, where independent being is often idealized, a new emotion is taking hold: loneliness. More and more people live alone, personal ties become more distant and the persistent effects of the pandemic continue to redefine the way we relate. Although the cities are on the one hand very populated, on the other many admit they feel deeply alone.
Loneliness can only be a momentary feeling of disconnection, but also a chronic emotional state, capable of influencing emotional well -being, cognitive health and even the physical resistance of the individual. Scientific research have even demonstrated a link between solitude and physical symptoms such as high blood pressure, high levels of cortisol and mortality rates.
To better understand the scope and impact of the phenomenon, Unabravo has used the psychological experience, third parties data and insights of a national survey conducted on over 1,500 Italians to analyze how loneliness is manifested in the country’s urban centers. This report identifies the most affected regions, the psychological impact of modern urban life and proposes possible strategies to encourage connection with others.
The increase in urban insulation and its impact on mental health
Although Italy is the fifth most populous country in Europe, half of the Italians say they feel alone in the city where he lives. Even more alarming, 6% declare that they feel this feeling constantly, thus increasing the risk of anxiety, depression and even physical diseases.
One of the main causes of this phenomenon is the constant increase in people who live alone. Since 2020, mono component families in Italy have increased by 14%, reaching over 9.5 million individuals. If on the one hand some choose to live alone for the freedom and independence that this entails, others are in this condition due to work commitments, the choice to postpone or avoid stable relationships, the transfer to the city or changes in family dynamics.
The drop in marriages is also changing the social fabric. Italy has one of the lowest wedding rates in Europe, and more and more people who postpon or give up completely. This change leads to longer -single periods of life and a removal from traditional family models. The phenomenon is also evident in the 3 million mono parental families present in the country today, a group that can experience specific forms of social isolation, especially in the absence of local support networks. However, romantic relationships do not necessarily protect against solitude: 67% of Italians with partners say they feel only in their city, compared to 60% of singles, a sign that the quality of social connections has more of the relational state.
The aging of the population adds an additional level of complexity. Almost one in four Italians is 65 years old today or more. By advancing age, the probability of living alone increases, both for the loss of the spouse, and for health problems or the reduction of the social network. Over 5.3 million Italians over 60 live today, often with limited mobility and less opportunities for socialization. Without constant emotional support from the family or community, the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the effects of chronic solitude.
At the same time, changes in work models are transforming everyday life. Remote work has become a reality for 29% of Italians in 2025, in part-time or full-time form. If on the one hand the flexible work offers numerous advantages, it has also reduced daily social interactions. More than a quarter (26%) of the workers remotely claims to feel isolated or alone, a sign that the growing individualization of life, both domestic and professional, is amplifying the sense of social disconnection.
The Italian cities most at risk of solitude
Although solitude is a national problem that requires greater empathy, its intensity varies between the different urban centers. To identify where this condition is more widespread, we have analyzed the online research behavior linked to solitude, the rate of single -component families and the data of our survey.
Despite the role of cultural capital, Milan is the most alone city in Italy. With the highest number of online research related to solitude (154 per 100,000 inhabitants) and a significant share of single -component nuclei (32%), 43% of the Milanese say they feel alone. The discrepancy between the data suggests that many are looking for help or connection in a silent way.
Genoa is in second place, mainly driven by the high percentage of people who live alone (50%, the highest in the index) and from a rate of solitude of 44%. The data indicate that living alone can directly affect the perception of daily social connection.
Rome is third: 53% of the residents feel alone, the highest figure among the big cities. With 40% of the nuclei composed of a single person, the capital shows that even a vibrant metropolis can be isolated.
Even smaller cities such as Livorno (50%), Trieste (62%) and Padua (68%) fall into the top 10. Padua, in particular, presents the highest rate of solitude despite a relatively low share of single -component nuclei (29%), suggesting that other factors, such as the social network or generational differences, contribute to the sense of disconnection.
Being digitally connected does not mean feeling emotionally supported
Loneliness does not affect all in the same way: it is influenced by the phase of life, by the social roles and the conditions of the modern urban environment. Although it is often associated with old age, recent data tell another story: young Italians report the highest levels of solitude in cities, despite being the most connected generation online.
Italians between 25 and 34 years of age report the highest levels of solitude: 70% say they feel only in their local context. Following, the 18–24 year old range (69%). On the contrary, the levels of solitude decrease with age: 45% between 55 and 64 years of age, and only 33% among over 65. In terms of gender level, 53% of Italian women feel alone, against 46% of men.
Strategies to counteract urban loneliness
Loneliness in cities can be disorienting, but it is not inevitable. With the right strategies, people can reconstruct significant connections, even in environments where you feel isolated.
1. Reconnect with the broadest network
Even if the physical distance can make it difficult to maintain frequent contacts, staying emotionally connected with our significant people can bring great psychological benefits. Regular phone calls, video calls and shared habits with brothers, cousins, relatives or distant friends help to maintain a sense of continuity and belonging.
2. Create micro-community in your city
Large cities may seem impersonal, but also small daily interactions create a sense of community. Taking relationships with neighbors, chatting with shopkeepers or with family faces at the bar can be really useful. Over time, these gestures build familiarity and real connections.
3. Design a connection oriented routine
Urban life favors comfort, but creating relationships requires intentionality. Working in a shared space instead of from home, taking a walk instead of driving, or spending 10 minutes in the nearby park to observe the life around you can be important.
4. Yet your relationship with loneliness
Loneliness and isolation are not synonyms. If loneliness is emotional suffering, choosing to live a phase of greater isolation can instead be regenerating. Changing the internal narrative on what it means to be alone can reduce the psychological weight of urban isolation.
As Dr. Valeria Fiorenza Perris, psychotherapist and clinical director of Unebravo explains: “The pain of solitude is psychological: it is not being alone, but feeling alone. Feeling that you have the power to modify this condition, or to be able to manage it by appreciating only their own moments, can transform suffering into a resource.”
Using time alone for creative or reflective activities strengthens personal identity and improves future relationships.
5. Regulate your digital habits
Technology facilitates connection, but passive scrolling worsens loneliness. Conscious interaction, on the other hand, improves cognitive well -being and social bonds.
According to Dr. Fiorenza Perris: “It is not time in front of the screen that causes solitude, but the way we use it. Active interaction can be positive, while passive consumption often leaves a sense of isolation.”
Set limits on digital use. Instead of doing doomscrolling, sending a message to a friend, join forums on topics of interest or programming video calls with those who love you can be essential for a real and mutual connection.
Sources and methodology
To better understand urban loneliness in Italy, Unabravo has analyzed 28 among the main cities of the country, combining survey data and external sources to identify where solitude is more concentrated and why.
The demographic data and related to families were obtained from Istat, while online research behaviors have been analyzed through Google Keyword Planner for terms such as “face loneliness”, “solitude”, “I feel alone”, “because I feel alone”, “feel alone” and “solitude”.
In support, Unabravo has conducted a national survey on 1,527 Italians, collecting self-refined insights on how often people feel alone in their city. The responses were analyzed by age group, genre, relational status and region, helping us to identify the groups most affected by urban isolation.
