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Botha F, Bower M. Predictors of male loneliness across life stages: an Australian study of longitudinal data. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1285. [PMID: 38730388 PMCID: PMC11088127 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18770-w] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite growing recognition of loneliness as a global public health concern, research on its occurrence and precipitants among men across different life stages remains limited and inconclusive. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the prevalence and predictors of loneliness among a large, representative data set of Australian adult men. METHODS The study used longitudinal data from waves 2-21 of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey, including men aged 15-98. Estimating linear fixed effects regressions that account for unobserved time-invariant individual heterogeneity, a single-item measure of loneliness was regressed on a set of selected explanatory variables over different parts of the life course. RESULTS Increased social isolation, romantic partnership dissolution, having a long-term disability, and stronger beliefs that the man, rather than the woman, should be the breadwinner of the household, are associated with greater loneliness. Frequent social connection, having a romantic partner, and high neighbourhood satisfaction are protective against loneliness. The findings also reveal several differences in the predictors of loneliness over the life course. Job security is especially important for younger men, whereas for older men volunteering and less conservative gender role attitudes are important factors that can decrease loneliness. CONCLUSIONS The results emphasise the need to consider age-specific factors and societal expectations in understanding and addressing loneliness amongst men. Additionally, the findings underscore the importance of raising awareness about the impact of societal norms and expectations on men's mental health. The results offer valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers to develop effective strategies and support systems to combat loneliness and promote well-being among men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdi Botha
- Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic & Social Research, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families Over the Life Course, Queensland, Australia
| | - Marlee Bower
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.
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Warner LM, Yeung DYL, Jiang D, Choi NG, Ho RTH, Kwok JYY, Chou KL. Effects of volunteering over six months on loneliness, social and mental health outcomes among older adults: The HEAL-HOA Dual Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2024; 32:598-610. [PMID: 38199937 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2023.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the beneficial effects of volunteering as lay counselor via telephone on own loneliness, social network engagement, perceived social support, stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN, SETTING, INTERVENTION, AND PARTICIPANTS: "Helping Alleviate Loneliness in Hong Kong Older Adults" (HEAL-HOA), a dual randomized controlled trial, was implemented to test effects of telephone-based psychosocial interventions delivered by older-adult volunteers for low-income lonely older adults. To evaluate the effects of volunteering on loneliness, we randomized 375 individuals ages 50-70 into a volunteering condition versus an active control (psychoeducation with social gatherings). Following a 6-week training, participants in the volunteering condition, delivered tele-interventions to older intervention recipients. MEASUREMENT The primary outcome was loneliness measured with the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Secondary outcomes were loneliness measured with the De Jong Gierveld Scale (DJG), social network engagement, perceived social support, perceived stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Assessments were completed before training (baseline) and immediately after the 6-month volunteering period. RESULTS Results from linear mixed models show significant positive effects of volunteering (significant interactions of condition × time) on both measures of loneliness (dppc2 = -0.41 ULCA Loneliness score, dppc2 = -0.70 total DJG score), social network engagement, stress and depressive symptoms as compared to control participants. CONCLUSIONS The HEAL-HOA trial demonstrates beneficial effects of volunteer-delivered tele-interventions on decreasing loneliness on the volunteer interventionists themselves. Communicating these benefits for volunteers may attract more older adults into volunteering. This effective tele-based volunteer program is scalable for wider implementation. SUMMARY This RCT tested effects of volunteering on loneliness in Hong Kong during the COVID-19-pandemic. Three hundred seventy-five individuals ages 50-70 were randomized into volunteering (delivering tele-interventions against loneliness) versus an active control condition. After 6 months, volunteers compared to controls, showed benefits on loneliness, social network engagement, stress and depressive symptoms. A program engaging lonely older adults in loneliness intervention delivery has beneficial effects on volunteers themselves and could be a scalable solution for our loneliness epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Warner
- Department of Psychology (LMW), MSB Medical School Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Da Jiang
- The Education University of Hong Kong (DJ, KLC), Hong Kong, China.
| | | | - Rainbow Tin Hung Ho
- Department of Social Work & Social Administration (RTHH), The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jojo Yan Yan Kwok
- School of Nursing (JYYK), The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kee-Lee Chou
- The Education University of Hong Kong (DJ, KLC), Hong Kong, China
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Oduro JK. The well-being equation: How inner fulfilment drives the impact of older persons on the Ghanaian society. Int J Older People Nurs 2024; 19:e12614. [PMID: 38711209 DOI: 10.1111/opn.12614] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding and managing the complex processes of ageing is a critical function of gerontological nursing, especially when it comes to older people's well-being and their contributions to society. Globally, older persons contribute in many ways to families and communities. However, the relationship between older person's overall well-being and their propensity to contribute to society remains an important gap in research. OBJECTIVE The study examined the association between well-being and the impact of older persons on Ghanaian society. METHODS A secondary analysis of longitudinal survey data of the 2014/15 Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE Wave 2) conducted by the World Health Organization was used. The multilevel logistic regression technique was used to examine four dimensions of well-being and their associations with high social contribution among older persons. The output was reported as odds ratios (OR). RESULTS The results show that older persons who had high physical and psychological well-being were more likely to contribute to society (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 0.93, 1.68), (OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.32, 2.33). However, those with high levels of emotional and spiritual well-being were less likely to make social contributions (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.49, 0.88), (OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.66, 1.18). CONCLUSION This study shows a positive association between well-being and older persons' societal impact. Good mental and physical health encourage societal involvement among older persons, while high emotional and spiritual well-being may lead to less societal contribution. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE These findings are important for nursing policies promoting social contribution and well-being among older persons 60 years and over in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Kojo Oduro
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Central Region, Ghana
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Volkos P, Linardakis M, Stachteas P, Anastasiou F, Tatsioni A, Kampa M, Symvoulakis EK. Association between Levels of Loneliness, Laboratory Measurements, and Behavioral Aspects in a Primary Care Setting in Crete, Greece. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2024; 14:1055-1067. [PMID: 38667824 PMCID: PMC11049108 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe14040069] [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: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This paper examines potential associations of loneliness with laboratory data and specific psychosocial and behavioral attitudes. The sample collection took place in an urban Primary Health Care unit between May and July 2023, consecutively, and once exclusion criteria were implemented. Participants were aged between 40 and 75 years. Routine laboratory test results upon study initiation and six months before were used. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Loneliness Scale (Version 3), blood glucose, serum lipids, Fibrosis-4 index, and Creatinine Clearance (CrCl) were assessed through hierarchical multiple logistic regression analysis. Based on full model (3rd) analysis, those who were engaged in an individual sport or activity or had contacts with more friends presented significantly lower odds for increased loneliness levels (odds ratio (OR): 0.28 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.09-0.91], p = 0.034 and OR: 0.76 [95%CI 0.66-0.88], p < 0.001, respectively). The consumption of alcohol was associated with increased loneliness (OR: 5.55 [95%CI 1.42-21.63], p = 0.014). Elevated triglyceride levels were linked with moderate or no loneliness (OR: 0.20 [95%CI 0.05-0.83], p = 0.026), while an increased LDL/HDL atherosclerotic index was related to increased subjective loneliness (OR: 4.50 [95%CI 1.12-18.13], p = 0.035). The need for holistic approaches-involving primary care personnel-in understanding and addressing loneliness, recognizing its multifaceted nature as well as the diverse factors that contribute to this issue, is considered challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Volkos
- Fourth Local Health Team—Academic Unit of Heraklion, 71303 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Manolis Linardakis
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Stachteas
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, General Practice and Health Services Research, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Foteini Anastasiou
- Fourth Local Primary Care Team (TOMY), Municipality Practice, Academic Practice of Heraklion, University of Crete, 71303 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Athina Tatsioni
- Research Unit for General Medicine and Primary Health Care, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Marilena Kampa
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Emmanouil K. Symvoulakis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
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Warner LM, Jiang D, Yeung DYL, Choi NG, Ho RTH, Kwok JYY, Song Y, Chou KL. Study protocol of the 'HEAL-HOA' dual randomized controlled trial: Testing the effects of volunteering on loneliness, social, and mental health in older adults. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2024; 38:101275. [PMID: 38435428 PMCID: PMC10904923 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2024.101275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Interventions to reduce loneliness in older adults usually do not show sustained effects. One potential way to combat loneliness is to offer meaningful social activities. Volunteering has been suggested as one such activity - however, its effects on loneliness remain to be tested in randomized controlled trials (RCT). Methods This planned Dual-RCT aims to recruit older adults experiencing loneliness, with subsequent randomization to either a volunteering condition (6 weeks of training before delivering one of three tele-based loneliness interventions to older intervention recipients twice a week for 6 months) or to an active control condition (psycho-education with social gatherings for six months). Power analyses require the recruitment of N = 256 older adults to detect differences between the volunteering and the active control condition (128 in each) on the primary outcome of loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale). Secondary outcomes comprise social network engagement, perceived social support, anxiety and depressive symptoms, self-rated health, cognitive health, perceived stress, sleep quality, and diurnal cortisol (1/3 of the sample). The main analyses will comprise condition (volunteering vs. no-volunteering) × time (baseline, 6-, 12-, 18-, 24-months follow-ups) interactions to test the effects of volunteering on loneliness and secondary outcomes. Effects are expected to be mediated via frequency, time and involvement in volunteering. Discussion If our trial can show that volunteers delivering one of the three telephone-based interventions to lonely intervention recipients benefit from volunteer work themselves, this might encourage more older adults to volunteer, helping to solve some of the societal issues involved with rapid demographic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M. Warner
- Department of Psychology, MSB Medical School Berlin, Rüdesheimer Straße 50, 14197, Berlin, Germany
| | - Da Jiang
- The Education University of Hong Kong, 10 Lo Ping Rd, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - Dannii Yuen-lan Yeung
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Ave, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Namkee G. Choi
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, 1925 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Rainbow Tin Hung Ho
- Department of Social Work & Social Administration, Centre on Behavioral Health, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | | | - Youqiang Song
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Kee-Lee Chou
- The Education University of Hong Kong, 10 Lo Ping Rd, Tai Po, Hong Kong
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Mandl LA, Rajan M, Lipschultz RA, Lian S, Sheira D, Frey MB, Shea YM, Lane JM. The Effect of Social Isolation on 1-Year Outcomes After Surgical Repair of Low-Energy Hip Fracture. J Orthop Trauma 2024; 38:e149-e156. [PMID: 38212973 PMCID: PMC10950514 DOI: 10.1097/bot.0000000000002772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate whether social isolation or loneliness is associated with outcomes 1 year after low-energy hip fracture. METHODS DESIGN Prospective inception cohort study. SETTING Academic level I trauma center. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA Participants were 65 years or older and enrolled 2-4 days after surgery for a first low-energy hip fracture. Exclusion criteria were bilateral or periprosthetic hip fracture, previous hip fracture, non-English speaking, international address, active cancer, stage 4 cancer in the past 5 years, radiation to the hip region, and cognitive impairment. Participants were followed longitudinally for 1 year. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS The patient-reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS)-29 was elicited 2-4 days postoperatively and 1 year later. Patient-reported risk factors included the Lubben Social Networks Scale and the University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale, which were compared with the lower extremity activity scale and PROMIS-29 domains. RESULTS Three hundred and twenty-five patients were enrolled. Participants had a median age of 81.7 years, were 70.9% female, and were 85.9% White. In total, 31.6% of patients were socially isolated at the time of fracture. At 1 year, 222 of the 291 subjects who were confirmed alive at 1 year provided data. Multivariable linear models were performed separately for each outcome, including lower extremity activity scale and PROMIS-29 domains. Controlling for age, sex, education, and body mass index, those who were socially isolated at the time of fracture had worse PROMIS-29 function (β = -3.83; P = 0.02) and ability to participate in social roles (β = -4.17; P = 0.01) at 1 year. Secondary analyses found that prefracture loneliness was associated with clinically meaningfully worse function, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep, pain, and ability to participate in social roles at 1 year (all P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Prefracture social isolation was associated with worse outcomes 1 year after surgical repair of low-energy hip fracture. These data suggest loneliness may be more strongly associated with important patient-centric metrics than prefracture social isolation. Given the dearth of modifiable risk factors in this population, future studies are needed to evaluate whether improving social connections could affect outcomes in this rapidly growing demographic. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A. Mandl
- Division of Rheumatology and Department of Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery & Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Mangala Rajan
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Joseph M. Lane
- Orthopedic Trauma Service, Hospital for Special Surgery & Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
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Williams T, Lakhani A, Spelten E. Exploring the relationship between loneliness and volunteering amongst Australian adults: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:269. [PMID: 38263057 PMCID: PMC10804524 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17807-4] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alleviating loneliness and fostering social connections and a sense of belonging are essential for individuals' well-being in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Volunteering has emerged as a potential strategy to prevent or alleviate loneliness among adults. To gain insights into factors that can reduce or protect against loneliness, it is important to consider multi-dimensional measures of loneliness and motivations to volunteer. This study aimed to understand which variables predict Australian volunteers' social, family, and romantic loneliness. METHODS From October 2021 to January 2022, a cross-sectional online survey was administered to a sample of Australian adults with volunteering experience. The survey collected demographic information and used validated measures to assess social, family, and romantic loneliness and volunteer motivation. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to examine the association between loneliness and motivations for volunteering. RESULTS Of the 1723 individuals who accessed the survey link, 160 participants completed the survey. The average age of respondents was 59.87 years (SD 12.3). The majority were female (77.5%), married or partnered (70.6%), and had ten or more years of volunteering experience (62.1%). Overall, participants reported low to moderate levels of loneliness across social (M = 12.1; SD = 5.3), family (M = 11.3; SD = 6.7), and romantic (M = 14.8; SD = 8.3) dimensions. Social motivation for volunteering was negatively associated with social and romantic loneliness, while enhancement and protective motivations were positively associated with family and romantic loneliness. Age and rurality were not significantly associated with any dimension of loneliness. CONCLUSIONS Loneliness is a multifaceted and intricate experience that impacts individuals socially and emotionally. This study's findings confirmed that having protective and enhancement motives to volunteer was associated with increased loneliness. Social motives to volunteer were associated with a tendency to have lower levels of loneliness, possibly due to the positive impact of building and maintaining social relationships through volunteering. Understanding these associations is necessary to ensure that volunteering activities align with each person's unique needs and motivations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Williams
- Department of Rural Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, PO Box 4095, Mildura, VIC, 3500, Australia.
| | - Ali Lakhani
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Evelien Spelten
- La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, 3552, Australia
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Richardson A, König HH, Hajek A. Volunteering, loneliness and perceived social isolation: evidence from a representative sample of middle-aged and older adults in Germany. Aging Ment Health 2023; 27:2289-2294. [PMID: 37449523 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2222676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association between voluntary work, loneliness and perceived social isolation amongst middle aged and older adults in Germany. METHODS Data were taken from Wave 5 (Year 2014; n = 7,164 in the analytical sample) of the German Ageing Survey - a nationally representative survey of middle-age and older adults. Voluntary work was quantified using a qualitative scale. The De Jong Gierveld tool was used to assess loneliness. The Bude and Lantermann tool was used to assess perceived social isolation. It was adjusted for several covariates in regression analysis. RESULTS Multiple linear regression analyses, that adjusted for several covariates, revealed a negative association between voluntary work and loneliness as well as perceived social isolation. Similar associations between volunteering and social isolation in people 40-64 years old and older, as well as volunteering and loneliness in those 40-64 years old, were discovered in age-stratified regression analyses. Volunteering, however, was not significantly linked to loneliness in people 65 and older. CONCLUSION Study findings showed a negative association between voluntary work and loneliness as well as perceived social isolation. Since protecting against loneliness and perceived social isolation can contribute to successful ageing, this is of great importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avery Richardson
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg Center for Health Economics, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Helmut König
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg Center for Health Economics, Hamburg, Germany
| | - 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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Torres Z, Martínez-Gregorio S, Oliver A. Senior volunteers: addressing loneliness in times of COVID-19. Eur J Ageing 2023; 20:40. [PMID: 37861734 PMCID: PMC10589161 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-023-00788-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Volunteering in old age plays an important role in addressing feelings of loneliness, but little research has been conducted on the impact of engaging in volunteering activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigates the longitudinal impact of volunteering on feelings of loneliness. We analyzed data from 31,667 adults aged 50 years and older in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), across three consecutive waves (one before the pandemic and two during the COVID-19 pandemic). Binary logistic regression analyses were conducted for loneliness, using volunteering and several control variables as independent variables, and found that even after controlling for previous loneliness, volunteering has a protective effect against experiencing feelings of loneliness. Those who participated in volunteering activities before or during the second pandemic period had a lower risk of loneliness during the second pandemic period. Volunteering during the second pandemic period, before and during the second pandemic period, and during all three periods measured in the study was negatively associated with the odds of feeling lonely. Encouraging volunteering among older adults can be a useful strategy to prevent loneliness during future emergency situations like the COVID-19 outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaira Torres
- Department of Methodology of the Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Av. de Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sara Martínez-Gregorio
- Department of Methodology of the Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Av. de Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Amparo Oliver
- Department of Methodology of the Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Av. de Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010, Valencia, Spain
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Akhter-Khan SC, Chua KC, Al Kindhi B, Mayston R, Prina M. Unpaid productive activities and loneliness in later life: Results from the Indonesian Family Life Survey (2000-2014). Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2023; 105:104851. [PMID: 36343441 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2022.104851] [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: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Contributing to society constitutes an essential part of healthy ageing. To date, however, it remains unclear how valuable contributions such as caregiving and volunteering, also described as unpaid productive activities, are related to older adults' loneliness. The present longitudinal study addresses this question in a lower-middle-income country, in Indonesia. METHODS Using data from two waves of the nationally representative Indonesian Family Life Survey (2000-2014), logistic regression models were applied with caregiving (to non-resident children, siblings, and parents) and volunteering (1-99 h, >100 h per year) as predictors and loneliness as outcome. Participants who were <50 years old and felt lonely at baseline were excluded. Results are reported as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS Of the 3,572 participants (52.8% women; Mean age: 60 years), 538 (15.1%) developed loneliness. In the unadjusted model, volunteering 1-99 h per year and caregiving to parents were each associated with a lower likelihood of feeling lonely later in life. For moderate volunteering (1-99 h), participating in the volunteer decision-making process was beneficial for loneliness. After adjusting for covariates, only the association between caregiving to parents and loneliness remained significant (OR=0.48, 95%CI: 0.27-0.81, p = 0.01). Specifically, providing care to parents who did not need help with daily activities was associated with lower loneliness. CONCLUSION This longitudinal study addresses important research gaps in the literature on global healthy ageing, as it relates to the protective role of older adults' unpaid productive activities on loneliness in Indonesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samia C Akhter-Khan
- Department of Health Services & Population Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, 18 De Crespigny Park, London SE58AF, United Kingdom.
| | - Kia-Chong Chua
- Department of Health Services & Population Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, 18 De Crespigny Park, London SE58AF, United Kingdom
| | - Berlian Al Kindhi
- Department of Electrical Automation Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Rosie Mayston
- Department of Global Health & Social Medicine, Institute of Global Health, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Prina
- Department of Health Services & Population Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, 18 De Crespigny Park, London SE58AF, United Kingdom
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