Association between age and loneliness in different residential type and gender groups: evidence from China

Abstract

Background Age has been identified as a prominent predictor of loneliness, although the findings about the relationship between age and loneliness are inconclusive. This study examines the relationship between age and loneliness in the context of China, with a focus on residential and gender differences. Methods Data were from the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) of 2017. A total of 3899 respondents were included. Loneliness was measured using a three-item Short Loneliness Scale. Age, squared terms of age, residential type, gender, and other socio-demographic characteristics were included in the study. Regression analyses were conducted among the total sample and subgroups of different gender and residential type subgroups, to investigate the association between age and loneliness. Results There is a reverse U-shaped tendency between age and loneliness that peaks at the age of 47. This tendency is true of the male subgroup, that peaks at the age of 55, while the female respondents do not share that tendency. The inverted U-shaped distribution holds true for urban but not for rural residents. The female respondents reported a higher level of loneliness than the male. The rural respondents reported higher loneliness than their counterparts. Conclusions This study demonstrates that an inverted U-shaped tendency between age and loneliness existed for the entire group, and the male and urban subgroups. Implications for service and practice are proposed based on the empirical findings.

Measuring loneliness: Psychometric properties of the three-item loneliness scale among community-dwelling adults

“…Differently, some found an increase after middle age or after 74 years [ 25 , 26 ], somewhat consistent with those who found a linear relationship in which “the older, the lonelier” [ 24 , [27] , [28] , [29] , [30] , [31] , [32] ]. However, an inverted U-shaped relationship [ 24 , 33 , 34 ] and a linear decrease [ 35 , 36 ] were also found. The differences could be explained by measurement tools [ 20 ] and cultures where the assessment took place [ 24 ].…”

“…Loneliness prevalence seems to present a U-shape distribution among adults, with the younger and the older presenting higher levels of these feelings [ [19] , [20] , [21] , [22] , [23] , [24] ]. Differently, some found an increase after middle age or after 74 years [ 25 , 26 ], somewhat consistent with those who found a linear relationship in which “the older, the lonelier” [ 24 , [27] , [28] , [29] , [30] , [31] , [32] ]. However, an inverted U-shaped relationship [ 24 , 33 , 34 ] and a linear decrease [ 35 , 36 ] were also found.…”

“…However, an inverted U-shaped relationship [ 24 , 33 , 34 ] and a linear decrease [ 35 , 36 ] were also found. The differences could be explained by measurement tools [ 20 ] and cultures where the assessment took place [ 24 ]. Nevertheless, taken together, the different studies show that loneliness is common, founding values between 10.5 and 76.0% in the adult population [ 4 , 37 , 38 ].…”

Effect of loneliness on mental health and cognition: A study on middle‐aged and older adults in India

“…It also analyses the relationship between the mediators and dependent variables. Research evidence has cited both age and marital status as predictors of loneliness (Wang et al, 2023). Further, Jennings et al (2022) have emphasised on the impact of age as a determinant of cognitive functioning of individuals.…”

“…It also analyses the relationship between the mediators and dependent variables. Research evidence has cited both age and marital status as predictors of loneliness (Wang et al., 2023). Further, Jennings et al.…”