These are survey questions. It seems to reveal most about cultural differences between what different groups feel like they are allowed to feel.

It would be difficult to control for this but it’s just naive to think these numbers should be interpreted in the straight forward manner presented.

It’s obvious that men and older people would likely report less loneliness as a cultural instinct, on average, for example. This is distinct from actual loneliness, though, which would be higher in both groups. At least if you think suicide rates are correlated.

It’s an important topic but this is unfortunately just going to muddy the waters.