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Social and Emotional Loneliness in Older Community Dwelling-Individuals: The Role of Socio-Demographics

Author

Listed:
  • Vanessa Ibáñez-del Valle

    (Frailty Research Organized Group (FROG), University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
    Department of Nursing, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain)

  • Silvia Corchón

    (Frailty Research Organized Group (FROG), University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
    Department of Nursing, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain)

  • Georgiana Zaharia

    (Department of Nursing, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain)

  • Omar Cauli

    (Frailty Research Organized Group (FROG), University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
    Department of Nursing, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain)

Abstract

Background: Social determinants have a major influence on individuals’ health, and among them, loneliness has an important impact on the health of the elderly. Objectives: The aims were to determine loneliness and its social and emotional components in a sample of elderly people and to assess its prevalence and associations with sociodemographic variables. Methods: Analytical, cross-sectional, observational research was carried out based on a population over 60 years of age in Valencia (Spain). Loneliness was assessed with the De Jong-Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Results: Five-hundred and thirty community-dwelling individuals participated. The mean age of the sample was 72.7 years (84.2% women); 36.2% suffered from moderate loneliness and 6.6% suffered from extreme loneliness. The sociodemographic variables most significantly related to loneliness were being single, separated, or divorced ( p < 0.01). Among widowers, loneliness was inversely associated with years of widowhood ( p < 0.01). Having sons/daughters was a significant protective factor ( p < 0.05), while having grandchildren or siblings did not have a significant influence. The ability to walk and smartphone and video call use were not associated with loneliness. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of unwanted loneliness in community-dwelling individuals, and some social factors play an important role. Interventions against loneliness among older people are a priority for welfare and public health.

Suggested Citation

  • Vanessa Ibáñez-del Valle & Silvia Corchón & Georgiana Zaharia & Omar Cauli, 2022. "Social and Emotional Loneliness in Older Community Dwelling-Individuals: The Role of Socio-Demographics," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:24:p:16622-:d:999900
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ricardo Pagan, 2020. "Gender and Age Differences in Loneliness: Evidence for People without and with Disabilities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-16, December.
    2. Fereshteh Mehrabi & François Béland, 2021. "Frailty as a Moderator of the Relationship between Social Isolation and Health Outcomes in Community-Dwelling Older Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-18, February.
    3. Louise C. Hawkley & Mary Elizabeth Hughes & Linda J. Waite & Christopher M. Masi & Ronald A. Thisted & John T. Cacioppo, 2008. "From Social Structural Factors to Perceptions of Relationship Quality and Loneliness: The Chicago Health, Aging, and Social Relations Study," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 63(6), pages 375-384.
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