Loneliness and Health in Older Adults: A Mini-Review and Synthesis

Abstract

Increasing evidence suggests that perceived social isolation or loneliness is a major risk factor for physical and mental illness in later life. This review assesses the status of research on loneliness and health in older adults. Key concepts and definitions of loneliness are identified, and the prevalence, correlates, and health effects of loneliness in older individuals are reviewed. Theoretical mechanisms that underlie the association between loneliness and health are also described, and illustrative studies examining these mechanisms are summarized. Intervention approaches to reduce loneliness in old age are highlighted, and priority recommendations for future research are presented.

Spiritual reminiscence therapy for older people with loneliness, anxiety and depression living in a residential aged care facility, Malaysia: The effectiveness and older people’s experiences

“…This factor was found to be associated with loneliness in a previous study (Ong et al, 2016) suggesting that loneliness might be difficult to reduce with the majority of participants who were widowed, separated or single. Although the SRT program was not effective enough to reduce loneliness, the improvement of loneliness levels may be a step forward for further development of SRT programs.…”

“…Poorer physical health, for example, is associated with loneliness (Ong, Uchino, & Wethington, 2016;Pitkala, 2016), anxiety (de Beurs et al, 1999) and depression (Abdul Manaf, Mustafa, Abdul Rahman, Yusof, & Abd Aziz, 2016;Hoover et al, 2010). Deterioration of physical health such as reduced physical mobility and decreased hearing and speech ability can make it a challenge for some older people to develop new relationships and maintain contact with family and close friends (Amzat & Jayawardena, 2016).…”

“…Loneliness is a subjective and negative feeling when there is a difference between an individual's expectation and his/her own social network (Holwerda et al, 2016;Pitkala, 2016). Older people may experience loneliness even if they are surrounded by other people (Ong et al, 2016). While there are no specific criteria for recognising loneliness in older people because each may perceive loneliness differently, it is often indicated by symptoms such as disturbed sleep, reduced satisfaction from social networking, diminished interest in social activities, and weight gain (Ong et al, 2016;Pitkala, 2016).…”

“…This literature suggests that there is some overlap between the conditions in the risk factors. For example, a review involving one meta-analysis and two cross-sectional studies found that risk factors for loneliness were related to sociodemographic, social-related problems and health-related factors including being widowed, female, single, lacking contact with close friends, the deterioration of physical health and low socioeconomic background (Ong et al, 2016). In a recent integrative review, Wright-St Clair, Neville, Forsyth, White, and Napier (2017) found loneliness was associated with health, quality of life and minority ethnic groups, especially for older immigrants.…”

“…Previous reviews of the prevalence rates of anxiety involved older people with confirmed anxiety disorders and involved populations other than long-term care settings (Ong et al, 2016;WolitzkyTaylor et al, 2010). Further, no previous review has reported the prevalence rates of loneliness in Malaysia.…”