A social exclusion perspective on loneliness in older adults in the Nordic countries

Abstract

Several factors associated with loneliness are also considered indicators of social exclusion. While loneliness has been proposed as an outcome of social exclusion, there is limited empirical evidence of a link. This study examines the associations between social exclusion indicators and loneliness in older adults (60+ years) in four Nordic countries. Data from four waves of the European Social Survey were pooled, providing a total of 7755 respondents (Denmark n = 1647; Finland n = 2501, Norway n = 1540; Sweden n = 2067). Measures of loneliness, demographic characteristics, health, and eight indicators of social exclusion were selected from the survey for analysis. Country-specific and total sample hierarchical logistic regression models of loneliness were developed. Significant model improvement occurred for all models after social exclusion indicators were added to models containing only demographic and health variables. Country models explained between 15.1 (Finland) and 21.5% (Sweden) of the variance in loneliness. Lower frequency of social contacts and living alone compared to in a two-person household was associated with a higher probability of loneliness in all countries, while other indicators were associated with loneliness in specific countries: lower neighbourhood safety (Sweden and Denmark); income concern (Sweden and Finland); and no emotional support (Denmark, Finland, and Sweden). A robust relationship was apparent between indicators of social exclusion and loneliness with the direction of associations being highly consistent across countries, even if their strength and statistical significance varied. Social exclusion has considerable potential for understanding and addressing risk factors for loneliness.

Exploring the relationship between social exclusion and smartphone addiction: The mediating roles of loneliness and self-control

“…Loneliness refers to the negative emotional reaction to the difference between one’s anticipated and actual social relationship ( Peplau and Perlman, 1982 ; Vanhalst et al, 2015 ). Previous research has demonstrated that some indicators of social exclusion (such as lower frequency of social contacts and lack of emotional support) can significantly and positively predict loneliness experiences ( Dahlberg et al, 2022 ). Prior scholars also proved that social exclusion has a strong impact on students’ loneliness as well as other mental health problems ( Arslan, 2021 ).…”

The association between leisure engagement and loneliness before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: A Nordic population-based study

“…The share of lonely older adults was higher in previous research than in the present context, including in Finland and Sweden [1]. However, it should be noted that we assessed the experience of suffering from loneliness instead of frequent loneliness.…”

“…In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sweden and Finland imposed several measures to prevent COVID-19, with different levels of intensity and varying recommendations and legislative measures [16,17]. Although loneliness is highly influenced by individual-level characteristics and resources, it is also affected by policy measures and contextual features, including for example how loneliness is presented in the public discourse, potentially explaining the observed regional differences in 2021 [1]. Future research should focus more on policy and the structural impacts on loneliness, a research field that is still relatively unexplored.…”

“…Loneliness in later life is a shared public health concern across the Nordic countries [1]. Although loneliness levels are lower in the Nordic countries than in other European countries, loneliness remains prevalent among older adults, ranging from 16.6% in Denmark to 23.3% in Finland and 23.6% in Sweden [1]. However, whether the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated loneliness levels among older adults remains contested.…”

What counts as an acceptable reason for not communicating emotional support?

“…Importantly, some of the mothers in their study expressed that nonsupport increased the depression they experienced. A lack of emotional support has been linked to greater feelings of loneliness in Norway (Dahlberg et al, 2022); it has also been found to increase irritation and decrease satisfaction in Japanese married couples, particularly for wives (Suzuki, 2007).…”