Objective To investigate the current status and influencing factors of social connectedness among elderly patients with chronic diseases, and to explore the effects of self-transcendence and benefit finding on their social connectedness, and to provide references for implementing relevant interventions.Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July to September 2024 among 515 elderly patients with chronic diseases in Hunan Province.Data were collected using the general information questionnaire, the Social Connectedness Scale, the Self-transcendence Scale, and the Benefit Finding Scale.Results The social connectedness score among elderly patients with chronic diseases was 74.00 (70.00, 84.00) points.The mean score for self-transcendence was 38.33±9.95, and for benefit finding was 84.76±23.02.Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that self-transcendence, be-nefit finding, age, physical exercise, and perceived severity of disease-related suffering were significant factors influencing social connectedness (all P＜0.05).Conclusion The social connectedness level of elderly patients with chronic diseases is above average.Healthcare providers can enhance their social connectedness by improving patients′ levels of self-transcendence and benefit finding.