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Hajek A. Editorial: Correlates of loneliness and social isolation in old age. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2024; 125:105528. [PMID: 38879349 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2024.105528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- André Hajek
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg Center for Health Economics, Hamburg, Germany.
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2
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Bhugra D, Liebrenz M, Ventriglio A, Ng R, Javed A, Kar A, Chumakov E, Moura H, Tolentino E, Gupta S, Ruiz R, Okasha T, Chisolm MS, Castaldelli-Maia J, Torales J, Smith A. World Psychiatric Association-Asian Journal of Psychiatry Commission on Public Mental Health. Asian J Psychiatr 2024; 98:104105. [PMID: 38861790 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2024.104105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Although there is considerable evidence showing that the prevention of mental illnesses and adverse outcomes and mental health promotion can help people lead better and more functional lives, public mental health remains overlooked in the broader contexts of psychiatry and public health. Likewise, in undergraduate and postgraduate medical curricula, prevention and mental health promotion have often been ignored. However, there has been a recent increase in interest in public mental health, including an emphasis on the prevention of psychiatric disorders and improving individual and community wellbeing to support life trajectories, from childhood through to adulthood and into older age. These lifespan approaches have significant potential to reduce the onset of mental illnesses and the related burdens for the individual and communities, as well as mitigating social, economic, and political costs. Informed by principles of social justice and respect for human rights, this may be especially important for addressing salient problems in communities with distinct vulnerabilities, where prominent disadvantages and barriers for care delivery exist. Therefore, this Commission aims to address these topics, providing a narrative overview of relevant literature and suggesting ways forward. Additionally, proposals for improving mental health and preventing mental illnesses and adverse outcomes are presented, particularly amongst at-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Bhugra
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neurosciences, Kings College, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom.
| | - Michael Liebrenz
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Roger Ng
- World Psychiatric Association, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Anindya Kar
- Advanced Neuropsychiatry Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Egor Chumakov
- Department of Psychiatry & Addiction, St Petersburg State University, St Petersburg, Russia
| | | | | | - Susham Gupta
- East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Roxanna Ruiz
- University of Francisco Moaroquin, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | | | | | | | | | - Alexander Smith
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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3
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Akhter-Khan SC, van Es W, Prina M, Lawrence V, Piri I, Rokach A, Heu LC, Mayston R. Experiences of loneliness in lower- and middle-income countries: A systematic review of qualitative studies. Soc Sci Med 2024; 340:116438. [PMID: 38016310 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Loneliness is understood as a subjective experience resulting from unmet social relationship expectations. As most loneliness research has been conducted in higher-income-countries, there is limited understanding of loneliness in relation to diverse cultural, economic, and socio-political factors. To address this gap, the present review systematically synthesises existing qualitative studies on the experience of loneliness and social relationship expectations in lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Between June and July 2022, six online databases (Embase, Ovid Medline, APA PsycINFO, Global Health, Web of Science, Google Scholar) were searched for peer-reviewed studies from LMICs on loneliness using qualitative methods. There were no restrictions on publication date, language, or study setting. Studies that solely focused on social isolation or were conducted with children (<16 years) were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed with the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. After deduplication, a total of 7866 records were identified and screened for inclusion, resulting in 24 studies published between 2002 and 2022. The included studies represent data from 728 participants in 15 countries across West Africa (Ghana, Nigeria, Niger, Mali), East Africa (Uganda, Kenya), North Africa (Egypt), West Asia (Iran), South Asia (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) and Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines). Data were analysed combining inductive and deductive coding, summarised using narrative synthesis, and examined by geographical region. Common features of loneliness included rejection, overthinking, and pain. Loneliness was related to depression across regions. Whereas loneliness tended to be distinguished from social isolation in studies from Africa, it tended to be related with being alone in studies from Asia. Poverty and stigma were common barriers to fulfilling social relationship expectations. This review illustrates how loneliness and expectations are contextually embedded, with some expectations possibly being specific to a certain culture or life stage, having implications for assessment of and interventions for loneliness worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samia C Akhter-Khan
- Department of Global Health & Social Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Willemijn van Es
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Matthew Prina
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Vanessa Lawrence
- Department of Health Service & Population Research, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ilayda Piri
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ami Rokach
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Luzia C Heu
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Rosie Mayston
- Department of Global Health & Social Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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4
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McKenna-Plumley PE, Turner RN, Yang K, Groarke JM. Experiences of Loneliness Across the Lifespan: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of Qualitative Studies. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2023; 18:2223868. [PMID: 37327403 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2023.2223868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Loneliness is a fundamentally subjective experience that is common at various life stages. Studies have qualitatively explored loneliness, but a comprehensive overview is lacking. This research therefore provides a fine-grained review of studies on loneliness experiences across the lifespan. METHODS A systematic review and thematic synthesis were performed on studies that qualitatively investigated experiences of loneliness in people of any age from non-clinical populations. Sensitivity analysis assessed the impact of lower-quality studies and specific age groups on the findings. RESULTS Twenty-nine studies of 1,321 participants aged between 7 and 103 were included. Fifteen descriptive themes and three overarching analytical themes were developed: (1) Loneliness is both psychological and contextual, (2) Loneliness centres on feelings of meaningful connection and painful disconnection, and (3) Loneliness can exist in a general, pervasive sense or can relate to specific other people or relationship types. Some features were particularly pertinent to children, younger adults, and older adults, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Loneliness involves a primarily aversive psychological experience of perceived disconnection which is linked to physical, personal, and socio-political contexts and can be pervasive or relate to specific relationships or relationship types. An awareness of context, life stage, and personal experiences is essential to understand loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe E McKenna-Plumley
- Centre for Improving Health-Related Quality of Life, School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Rhiannon N Turner
- Centre for Identity and Intergroup Relations, School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Keming Yang
- Department of Sociology, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - Jenny M Groarke
- Centre for Improving Health-Related Quality of Life, School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- School of Psychology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
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5
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Sabo K, Wong J, Lopez RP. Loneliness and Unmet Needs of Older Adults Living in Publicly Supported Housing. Res Gerontol Nurs 2023; 16:217-223. [PMID: 37335895 DOI: 10.3928/19404921-20230606-02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Guided by the RE-AIM framework, the current study sought to examine the relationship between perceived needs of older adults living in publicly supported housing and loneliness. Participants were males and females aged 70 to 83 years who identified as White or Chinese. Using the Camberwell Assessment of Need Short Appraisal Schedule and UCLA Loneliness Scale, the relationship between residents' needs and loneliness was assessed to guide the development of interventions. Results revealed residents self-reported 54% of their needs were met and rated their loneliness at a score of 36.5 (moderate level). Furthermore, there was a medium positive correlation between unmet needs and loneliness whereby high unmet needs were associated with higher loneliness scores. Findings suggest that these older adults living in publicly supported housing are vulnerable to the negative consequences of loneliness. Implementing equitable and inclusive interventions to address the impact of loneliness in the context of social determinants of health is warranted. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 16(5), 217-223.].
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Hussain B, Mirza M, Baines R, Burns L, Stevens S, Asthana S, Chatterjee A. Loneliness and social networks of older adults in rural communities: a narrative synthesis systematic review. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1113864. [PMID: 37255758 PMCID: PMC10225733 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1113864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Loneliness has significant impacts on the health of older adults. Social networks help to improve psychosocial and quality of life outcomes among older adults. A fifth of older adults live in rural communities, where geographic isolation poses challenges to health. The dynamics of social networks of older adults in rural communities has not been explored. Objective To synthesize the literature related to loneliness and social networks of older adults in rural settings. Methods A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted through searching six bibliographic databases to retrieve peer-reviewed literature with no time limits. We performed a methodological assessment of each study using a mixed method quality assessment tool. Findings are synthesized thematically. Results A total of 50 studies (32 quantitative, 15 qualitative, and 3 mixed methods) were included in this review. Studies were conducted in 17 different countries, the majority from China (n = 12), the UK (n = 9), and USA (n = 9). Findings revealed that social networks of older adults consist of family, friends and neighbors and continue to be developed through participation in various physical and social activities such as walking groups and participation in religious events. Social networks offer informational, functional, psychological and social support to older adults. Through their social networks, older adults feel socially connected and cared for. Successful interventions to improve social networks and address loneliness were those developed in groups or one-on-one with the older adults. The key ingredient to the positive impact of these interventions on reducing social isolation and loneliness was the formation of a social connection and regular engagement with the older adults. However, the review did not find any explicitly reported theory or model on which these interventions are based. Conclusion The prevalence of loneliness among older adults in rural areas needs urgent attention. Social network theory and methods can help in developing interventions to address social isolation and loneliness among older adults in rural communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basharat Hussain
- Peninsula School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Mahrukh Mirza
- Peninsula School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Baines
- Peninsula School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Lorna Burns
- Peninsula School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sheena Asthana
- Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research (PIHR), Plymouth, United Kingdom
- Centre for Health Technology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
- Centre for Coastal Communities, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Arunangsu Chatterjee
- Centre for Health Technology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
- School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
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Factors Associated With Social Isolation in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2023; 24:322-330.e6. [PMID: 36549651 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2022.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Social isolation is a global health issue that affects older adults throughout their lives. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with social isolation in older adults. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Adults aged 60 years and older. METHODS We searched for observational studies without language restrictions in 11 databases from inception to August 2022. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI were calculated using the R software (version 4.2.1). The modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the risk of bias. RESULTS Eighteen factors were grouped into 5 themes. The following 13 factors were statistically significant: (1) demographics theme: aged 80 years and older (OR: 2.41; 95% CI: 1.20-4.85), less than or equal to a high school degree (OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.44-1.97), smoking (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.18-1.73), and male (OR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.01-1.89); (2) environment theme: low social support (OR: 7.77; 95% CI: 3.45-17.50) and no homeownership (OR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.25-1.51); (3) role theme: no social participation (OR: 3.18; 95% CI: 1.30-7.80) and no spouse (OR: 2.61; 95% CI: 1.37-4.99); (4) physical health: hearing loss (OR: 2.78; 95% CI: 1.54-5.01), activities of daily living impairment (OR: 2.38; 95% CI: 1.57-3.61), and poor health status (OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.32-1.74); and (5) mental health: cognitive decline (OR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.40-2.45) and depression (OR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.21-2.44). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Social isolation in older adults is associated with various factors. Hence, focused intervention should be adopted for older adults. In addition, further longitudinal studies are required to confirm a direct link between multiple factors and social isolation.
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Sex-specific impacts of social isolation on loneliness, depressive symptoms, cognitive impairment, and biomarkers: Results from the social environment and biomarker of aging study. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2023; 106:104872. [PMID: 36493576 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2022.104872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate sex-specific associations between social isolation and psychological outcomes and biomarkers among community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults using a nationally representative population-based cohort study. METHODS Data from 757 participants from the Social Environment and Biomarkers of Aging Study (SEBAS) were retrieved for analysis, and all participants were stratified by sex. The associations between social isolation and psychological outcomes (loneliness, depressive symptoms, and cognitive impairment) at the 4-year follow-up were examined by multivariate logistic regression models, and associations between social isolation and biomarkers at the 4-year follow-up were examined by multivariate generalized linear models (GLMs). RESULTS For men, social isolation was not associated with the development of loneliness. However, being married (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.32 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13-0.74], p<0.001) was associated with a lower risk of loneliness, indicating potential protective effects of marriage for men. On the other hand, social isolation was associated with a 2-fold higher risk of loneliness in women (aOR 2.26 [1.01-5.09], p<0.001). Social isolation was not associated with depressive symptoms after adjusting for other demographics. For men, being married (aOR 0.51 [0.26-0.99], p<0.05) or having good self-reported health (aOR 0.44 [0.21-0.92], p<0.05) was protective against depressive symptoms. For women, only good self-reported health (aOR 0.30 [0.13-0.70], p<0.01) provided protective effects against depressive symptoms. Similarly, other demographic factors (being married and having a higher educational level) but not social isolation were associated with lower risks of cognitive impairment. No significant associations were noted between social isolation and selected biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS Sex-different associations between social isolation and loneliness were noted; the effects of demographic factors, such as being married, self-reported health status, and high education levels, on subsequent loneliness, depression, and cognitive function were also sex-different. Further intervention studies are needed to explore sex-specific approaches to deal with the interplay of social isolation, loneliness, psychological outcomes and other demographic factors.
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Pan H, Qualter P, Barreto M, Stegen H, Dury S. Loneliness in Older Migrants: Exploring the Role of Cultural Differences in Their Loneliness Experience. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2785. [PMID: 36833479 PMCID: PMC9957511 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20042785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND The scientific literature suggests the necessity of studying loneliness from a broader social perspective. This article aims to broaden the research on loneliness in older migrants by exploring the role of cultural differences through the lens of the social environment (as measured in social capital, discrimination, and ageism) and social situation (as measured in relational mobility, childness, and marital status). Based on Hofstede's Individualism Index, older migrants involved in the BBC Loneliness Experiment (N = 2164) were classified into three groups: cultural migrants (i.e., from a collectivist to individualist culture) (N = 239), migrants with a similar culture (i.e., within an individualist culture) (N = 841), and ageing non-migrants (N = 1084). OBJECTIVES The two main objectives were (1) to compare the levels of loneliness among these three groups, and (2) to unravel how different influencing factors, such as the social environment, social situation, coping strategies, and personal characteristics, are related to loneliness. METHODS Bivariate analyses were performed to determine the differences in the loneliness, social environment, social situation, and personal characteristic variables between the groups, with adjusted p-values according to the Bonferroni correction to limit the potential for type I errors (α = 0.005). Multiple linear regressions were performed to unravel the relationships between loneliness and the different influencing factors, namely the social environment, social situation, coping strategies, and personal characteristics. RESULTS The bivariate analyses show no significant difference in loneliness across the three groups. The multiple linear regressions demonstrate that the social environment (i.e., social capital, discrimination, and ageism) is significantly associated with loneliness. Social capital acts as a protective factor for cultural migrants (β = -0.27, p < 0.005, 95% CI [-0.48, -0.05]), similar-culture migrants (β = -0.13, p < 0.005, 95% CI [-0.25, -0.03]), and non-migrants (β = -0.21, p < 0.001, 95% CI [-0.28, -0.12]). Discrimination and ageism are both risk factors for loneliness across the three groups. Social situation, as measured in married/cohabitation status and relational mobility, shows a significant association with loneliness in the non-migrants and similar-culture migrants but not the cultural migrants. In terms of individual resources for coping strategies, engagement in active coping is protective for all three groups. Non-coping, the unawareness of any coping strategies, is a risk factor, while passive coping shows no significant association. DISCUSSION The results show that the structural factor of the social environment in which older migrants' find themselves, rather than their culture of origin, is more important for older migrants' feelings of loneliness in later life. A favorable social environment with high social capital and low levels of discrimination and ageism protects against loneliness in the ageing population across cultures. Practical implications for loneliness interventions for older migrants are put forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honghui Pan
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Adult Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Brussels Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Migration and Minorities (BIRMM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Society and Ageing Research Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Manuela Barreto
- Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QG, UK
| | - Hannelore Stegen
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Adult Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Society and Ageing Research Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Research Foundation Flanders (FWO), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sarah Dury
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Adult Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Society and Ageing Research Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
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Kawasaki H, Yamasaki S, Yamashita K, Iki T. Exploring mutual support awareness in Japanese communities: A pilot study. Public Health Nurs 2023; 40:105-113. [PMID: 36128933 PMCID: PMC10087162 DOI: 10.1111/phn.13137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study aimed to examine life situations and perceptions related to the recognition of mutual support among Japanese people. DESIGN A quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional analysis. SAMPLE Nine hundred and nine participants who provided complete questionnaire responses. MEASUREMENTS As a disaster prevention measure, a community center conducted a "questionnaire survey evaluating the recognition of mutual support and several potentially related factors". In our study, these data from a self-administered questionnaire were used secondarily. RESULTS The perceptions that differed with regard to the sense of mutual support included family structure; satisfaction with support, security, and disaster prevention in the district; being able to ask for help with shopping; closeness of the relationship with one's neighbors; seeing oneself as providing or needing protection; and recognition of existing worries regarding evacuation. In a logistic regression model, the factors predicting the sense of mutual support included being younger than 70 years, being able to ask for help with shopping, and the closeness of the association with one's neighbors. CONCLUSIONS The study identified situations that might predict the sense of mutual support in individuals in Japanese communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromi Kawasaki
- Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Satoko Yamasaki
- Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kotomi Yamashita
- Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tomoko Iki
- Faculty of Nursing, Kansai University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Awaji, Japan
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11
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Ojembe BU, Kalu ME, Donatus Ezulike C, Iwuagwu AO, Ekoh PC, Oyinlola O, Osifeso T, Makanjuola JO, Kapiriri L. Understanding Social and Emotional Loneliness among Black Older Adults: A Scoping Review. J Appl Gerontol 2022; 41:2594-2608. [PMID: 36007108 PMCID: PMC9669730 DOI: 10.1177/07334648221118357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Black older adults’ (BOAs) experience of loneliness differs from other ethnic
groups because of the disproportionate disadvantages faced across their life
course. This scoping review aimed to describe the range of research on
loneliness or subjective social isolation among BOAs, identifying the
contributing factors to loneliness in this population, based on Weiss’ Social
provision Framework. Of the 15,345 initial retrieved citations from seven
databases and corporate websites, we included 27 studies conducted in the USA,
Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Uganda. Studies
reporting on BOAs’ experience of loneliness focused on the influence of
attachment, social integration, opportunity for nurturance, reassurance of
worth, guidance, socio-economic factors, health-related factors and behaviors,
and technology, media device possession and usage. There is a need for future
studies to identify which social provisions (when targeted) could reduce
loneliness, allowing clinicians to develop relevant interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blessing Ugochi Ojembe
- Department of Health, Aging & Society, 248191McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing- African Network, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Michael Ebe Kalu
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing- African Network, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Chigozie Donatus Ezulike
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing- African Network, Abuja, Nigeria.,Department of Social Work, 355428University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.,Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, 53025City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Anthony Obinna Iwuagwu
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing- African Network, Abuja, Nigeria.,Department of Social Work, 355428University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Prince Chiagozie Ekoh
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing- African Network, Abuja, Nigeria.,Department of Social Work, 355428University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.,Faculty of Social Work, 210169University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Oluwagbemiga Oyinlola
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing- African Network, Abuja, Nigeria.,Medical Social Services Department, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.,School of Social Work, 5620McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Temitope Osifeso
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing- African Network, Abuja, Nigeria.,Health and Rehabilitation Science, 6221Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - John Osuolale Makanjuola
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing- African Network, Abuja, Nigeria.,Department of Adult and Mental Health Psychiatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing Sciences, 584611University of Medical Science, Ondo, Nigeria
| | - Lydia Kapiriri
- Department of Health, Aging & Society, 248191McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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12
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Chen LK. Biopsychosocial Perspectives of Loneliness and Social Isolation. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2022; 100:104671. [DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2022.104671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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13
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Suzuki M, Otobe Y, Ichikawa T, Koyama S, Tanaka S, Maetani Y, Masuda H, Shino S, Kimura Y, Yamada M. Gender-specific Characteristics of Social Factors Related to Frequency of Daily Conversation Among Community-dwelling Older Adults: A Cross-sectional Observational Study. AGEING INTERNATIONAL 2022; 48:612-629. [PMID: 35528947 PMCID: PMC9053121 DOI: 10.1007/s12126-022-09494-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objectives This study examined the social factors affecting the frequency of going out, and social isolation related to the frequency of daily conversation, stratified by gender. Method The participants comprised 1,016 community-dwelling older Japanese adults, who were categorized into four groups: those who are (1) not isolated socially and go out every day, (2) not isolated socially and do not go out every day, (3) socially isolated and go out every day, and (4) socially isolated and do not go out every day. We performed a logistic regression analysis to assess the relationship between the frequency of daily conversation and the four groups. Results Our multivariable logistic regression analysis (reference, group 1) showed that the coexistence of poor social factors significantly affected men (group 2: odds ratio [OR] 2.13 [1.10 to 4.12]; group 3: OR 2.92 [1.70 to 5.00]; and group 4: OR 4.28 [2.43 to 7.54]). For women, the frequency of going out was related to daily conversation only with social isolation group (group 2: OR 1.51 [0.77 to 2.98]; group 3: OR 2.42 [1.25 to 4.68]; and group 4: OR 3.81 [2.08 to 7.00]). Conclusion Our findings suggest that promoting daily conversations of community-dwelling older adults can help prevent related health adversities.
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Miyawaki CE, Liu M, Park VT, Tran MT, Markides KS. Social support as a moderator of physical disability and mental health in older Vietnamese immigrants in the U.S.: Results from the Vietnamese aging and care survey (VACS). Geriatr Nurs 2022; 44:151-158. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2022.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Moshtagh M, Salmani F, Moodi M, Miri MR, Sharifi F. A perspective on the sense of loneliness and its determinants in Iranian older people. Psychogeriatrics 2022; 22:252-258. [PMID: 35048470 DOI: 10.1111/psyg.12809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The sense of loneliness is one of the common problems of older people and their quality of life, and is affected by many factors such as personal resources, gender, health condition, and age. This study investigates the determinants of the sense of loneliness between older men and women in Birjand. METHODS This study was a part of the community-based prospective cohort study of the Birjand Longitudinal Aging Study (BLAS). Individuals over 60 years of age and their families (selected by random cluster sampling) were assessed through structured interviews with questionnaires such as Patient Health Questionnaire, Short-Form-12, Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam Physical Activity Questionnaire, loneliness, and social support questions. RESULTS The mean age of the participants in the study was 68.59 ± 6.72, and 53.2% were women. Based on the findings of pathway analysis, the most critical determinants of loneliness in older men and women were the number of children (total effect = -0.112, P = 0.006) and mood, respectively (total effect = 0.142, P < 0.001). According to results, older people with fewer children feel lonelier. CONCLUSION Compared with men, emotional loneliness is more common in older women. Older women, who lost their husbands, suffer from loneliness, mental health disorders, and low quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mozhgan Moshtagh
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Faculty of Health, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Salmani
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Mitra Moodi
- Department of Health Promotion and Education, School of Health, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Mohammad R Miri
- Department of Health Promotion and Education, School of Health, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Farshad Sharifi
- Elderly Health Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Influence of Attachment Anxiety on the Relationship between Loneliness and Depression among Long-Term Care Residents. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9121675. [PMID: 34946399 PMCID: PMC8701072 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9121675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attachment styles influence an individual's ability to maintain relationships throughout their lifespan. Insecure attachment has been associated with many aspects of mental health. The study aimed to explore the influence of attachment on loneliness and depression among old-age residents in long-term care facilities. METHODS A survey was conducted among residents from long term care facilities (LTC) in Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic; 221 older people participated in the study. The mean aged was 73.60 ± 7.45 years old, and 57.5% female. All participants completed the Geriatric Depression Scale, the six-item revised version of the University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale, and the Revised Experience of Close Relationships questionnaire to measure depressive symptoms, loneliness, and attachment style. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed to find the predictors for depressive symptoms. RESULTS In all, 40.7% of residents in LTC facilities experienced depression. Male sex, education, loneliness, and attachment anxiety predicted the increased level of depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION Loneliness was confirmed to be significantly associated with depressive symptoms, and attachment anxiety was found to be a strong predicting factor of depressive symptoms. Intervention and research regarding reducing loneliness and attachment anxiety should be promoted in LTC settings.
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Hamid TA, Din HM, Bagat MF, Ibrahim R. Do Living Arrangements and Social Network Influence the Mental Health Status of Older Adults in Malaysia? Front Public Health 2021; 9:624394. [PMID: 34026706 PMCID: PMC8131656 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.624394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Living arrangement has been reported to have a significant influence on several mental health statuses of older adults, but their social network may confound this association. This study is aimed at examining the interactive effect of living arrangements and social network on the mental health status among older adults in Malaysia. A total of 2,188 Malaysian older adults living nationwide were included in this cross-sectional study. Participants were classified into four groups according to their living arrangements (living alone or not living alone) and social network size (assessed using Lubben's Social Network Scale-6). Poor social network was defined as the lowest quartile (fourth quartile) of the score. Mental health statuses, which include flourishing in life, life satisfaction, cognitive functions, loneliness, depression, and perceived stress, were measured. Multiple linear regression models, adjusted for age, gender, education, and comorbidities, revealed that a good social network was significantly associated with an increase on the flourishing scale scores, regardless of living arrangements. Not living alone and having good social network was significantly associated with increased Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores and decreased loneliness scores. This study found that living arrangements are not always a risk factor for the mental health status of older adults. However, it may be confounded by the level of their social networks. The results suggested that the effects of social network may exceed the impact of living arrangements. It is recommended that health professionals pay more attention to the social networks of older Malaysians to harness its benefits in improving their mental health status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengku Aizan Hamid
- Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Hazwan Mat Din
- Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | | | - Rahimah Ibrahim
- Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia.,Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
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