Beyond the Human: Rethinking Loneliness through Ecological Connectedness and Disconnectedness in Later Life

Dominant discourses on ageing often emphasise the significance of social networks and the risks of social isolation, reinforcing an anthropocentric view that prioritises human relationships. While social relations are undoubtedly important, this article argues that the ecological dimensions of ageing deserve greater attention. Existing literature on ageing, largely frames more-than-human beings in therapeutic or assistive roles, inadvertently reinforcing narratives of older adults as dependent and vulnerable. Introducing the concepts of ecological connectedness and disconnectedness, this article broadens the understanding of how identity, autonomy and well-being are shaped in later life. Drawing on ethnographic research with older adults in rural Sweden, the study examines how interactions with forests, gardens and animals, influence experiences and the process of ageing. It highlights how ecological relationships, disruptions and adaptations can be as significant – if not more so – than merely human ones. Through the lived experiences of older adults in rural Sweden, whose deep connections with the more-than-human world both sustain and challenge their sense of self, this article foregrounds the often-overlooked role of the ecological environment in shaping later life. Ultimately, it calls for a shift in how we conceptualise ageing – moving beyond human-centered frameworks to acknowledge the dynamic and evolving relationships between humans and the more-than-human world across the life course.