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Older Adults’ Loneliness in Early COVID-19 Social Distancing: Implications of Rurality

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  • Heather R Fuller
  • Andrea Huseth-Zosel

Abstract

ObjectivesOlder adults face greater health risks due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), yet preventative social distancing measures may cause increased social isolation, potentially heightening risk of loneliness. In this mixed-methods study we examine changes in older adults’ loneliness due to social distancing, explore variability in perceptions, and identify whether such changes differ by rurality.MethodsA Midwestern sample of 76 older adults aged 70–97 (mean age = 82; 74% female; 95% White; 39% rural) completed a phone interview about their experiences with social distancing due to COVID-19. Interviews were conducted during early weeks of regional social distancing. Participants completed retrospective and current assessments of loneliness, including providing explanations of their responses.ResultsOn average, loneliness increased during early social distancing, yet variability was evident. Those experiencing increased loneliness described a feeling of loss or lack of control, whereas those experiencing stability in loneliness identified adaptability in social connection modes or feeling accustomed to social isolation. Rural older adults experienced a significantly smaller increase in loneliness than their nonrural counterparts.DiscussionThese findings suggest nuanced experiences among older adults, but generally negative implications for loneliness. Interventions to address older adults’ social isolation and loneliness during COVID-19 are warranted.

Suggested Citation

  • Heather R Fuller & Andrea Huseth-Zosel, 2022. "Older Adults’ Loneliness in Early COVID-19 Social Distancing: Implications of Rurality," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 77(7), pages 100-105.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:geronb:v:77:y:2022:i:7:p:e100-e105.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/geronb/gbab053
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Vanessa Burholt & Thomas Scharf, 2014. "Poor Health and Loneliness in Later Life: The Role of Depressive Symptoms, Social Resources, and Rural Environments," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 69(2), pages 311-324.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kong, Nancy & Lam, Jack, 2022. "Physical Isolation and Loneliness: Evidence from COVID Lockdowns in Australia," IZA Discussion Papers 15720, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

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