Predictive factors and risk and protection groups for loneliness in older adults: a population-based study

Abstract

Background Loneliness is considered a public health problem, particularly among older adults. Although risk factors for loneliness have been studied extensively, fewer studies have focused on the protected and risk groups that these factors configure. Our objective is to analyze the variables and latent factors that predict loneliness in older adults and that enable risk and protected groups to be configured. Methods We employed an epidemiological, cross-sectional survey that was carried out on a random sample of 2060 people over 65 years extracted from the census. A structured telephone interview was used to assess mental and physical health, habits, quality of life, and loneliness, applying the COOP-Wonca, Goldberg General Health (GHQ-12), and Barber Questionnaires. Results Predictors of loneliness were: mental health, living alone, quality of life, depressive symptoms, low educational level, and some deficiency situations such as having no one to turn to for help. The factors extracted (Factorial Analysis) were: a subjective experience of poor health, objective isolation, and psychological isolation. We established at risk and protected groups (“Decision Tree” procedure), and loneliness was referred to by 73.2% of the people living alone and with poor mental health and quality of life (risk group). By contrast, only 0.8% of people living with others, with good mental health and good quality of life felt loneliness (protected group). Conclusion In a well-developed city, subjective and objective factors are associated with loneliness. These factors, especially those associated with at risk or protected groups, must be considered to develop strategies that address loneliness.

Frailty Assessment and Its Impact on Loneliness among Older Adults Receiving Home-Based Healthcare: A Cross-Sectional Study.

“…Also, loneliness is largely frequent in ages (>80 years old) [33], which is in agreement with the findings of our study as 60.1% of participants were 80 years or older. The higher levels of loneliness in those with a low educational level and poor family support, are demonstrated in our study and consistent with other international studies [2,32,34,35]. Finally, our finding that the high degree of social isolation may be considered a contributing factor to intense loneliness in the elderly, has also been identified in other research [35,36].…”

“…In terms of individual domains, the thresholds are at least 3 out of 8 components for physical frailty, at least 2 out of 4 for psychological frailty and at least 2 out of 3 for social frailty [22]. Part A of the TFI includes 10 determinants of frailty, but in this study, we collect the data of 6 determinants (age, sex, marital status, economic status, education and presence of chronic diseases), as they consider as well-known sociodemographic determinants both of frailty and loneliness [2,23].…”

“…In addition, the risk of mortality due to loneliness is comparable to well-documented clinical risk factors such as smoking and high blood pressure [3]. 2 It has also been suggested that loneliness is strongly related to substantial health repercussions, encompassing physiological impacts such as obesity, cardiovascular issues, sleep disturbances, weakened immunity, as well as psychological effects including depression, social anxiety, and cognitive decline [4]. Most importantly, loneliness represents a subjective unpleased feeling stemming from the individual's perception that social relationships are unsatisfactory in either quantity or quality [5].…”

“…Interestingly, the prevalence of loneliness in people ≥ 60 years old in European countries was 11.9-19.3% [1]. Especially in old age, various factors have been identified as contributing to an elevated sense of loneliness and are commonly linked to the personʹs social disadvantages (living alone, low educational level and restricted social connections), psychological elements (depressive symptoms), as well as poor quality of life [2]. In addition, the risk of mortality due to loneliness is comparable to well-documented clinical risk factors such as smoking and high blood pressure [3].…”