Loneliness lurks in everyone’s
life at some point. Older adult women and men often live during a time when
their peers and family members are dying. Their lifestyles readjust due to
various reasons such as declining health or retirement. They can be deeply
impacted by loneliness, a risk factor for depression. Do women and men experience
loneliness in the same ways? That’s what this research on loneliness examined.
With 1079 participants
ranging in age from 64-94, loneliness was measured during face-to-face
interviews. An analysis of the association of loneliness with
socio-demographic, physical, and psychological factors rendered the following
results:
1) The mean level of
loneliness was not significantly different between women and men.
2) Among the oldest
old (85+), loneliness was higher in women.
3) Women were more disadvantaged regarding living arrangements as well as
physical and mental health.
4) Men had more adverse mental health
conditions associated significantly with
loneliness such as depression, low satisfaction with life, and low resilience.
5) Living alone was
not associated with loneliness.
6) Lower social network
was associated with a three-time higher risk for feeling lonely in both women
and men.
These findings should be
applied when ways to alleviate loneliness are considered. Year-round regular cards,
letters, and visits from family, friends, volunteers, and others can do so much
to improve older adults’ self-esteem and general quality of life. The average person can help older adults by offering
assistance, sharing activities and helpful information with them, and by being
an encouraging listener. This video conveys the overwhelming effects of
loneliness, being forgotten, and the joy of being remembered.
Frances
Shani Parker, Author
Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes is
available in paperback and e-book editions in America and other countries at
online and offline booksellers.
