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Huxhold O, Fiori KL. Understanding loneliness in late life. Curr Opin Psychol 2024; 57:101801. [PMID: 38428351 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2024.101801] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Loneliness in late adulthood is a public health issue. Thus, understanding the etiology of loneliness is of critical importance. Here, we conceptualize the development of loneliness in late life as dynamic interactions between individual and contextual processes. Specifically, we suggest that loneliness arises if the existing social relationships are unable to meet a set of social expectations. These expectations are fulfilled by three different layers of the social structure: 1) close confidants; 2) broader social networks; and 3) involvement in the community. Although older adults experience losses in their broader network and engage less in the community, they may avoid loneliness by focusing on close confidants. However, these adaptations may make it more difficult for older adults to overcome loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Huxhold
- German Centre of Gerontology, Manfred-von-Richthofen-Str 2, D-12101, Berlin, Germany.
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2
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Bridson L, Robinson E, Putra IGNE. Financial-related discrimination and socioeconomic inequalities in psychological well-being related measures: a longitudinal study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1008. [PMID: 38605335 PMCID: PMC11010292 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18417-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examined the prospective association between financial-related discrimination and psychological well-being related measures and assessed the role of financial-related discrimination in explaining socioeconomic inequalities in psychological well-being related measures. METHODS Data of UK older adults (≥ 50 years) from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing were used (baseline: Wave 5, 2010/2011; n = 8,988). The baseline total non-pension wealth (in tertiles: poorest, middle, richest) was used as a socioeconomic status (SES) measure. Financial-related discrimination at baseline was defined as participants who reported they had been discriminated against due to their financial status. Five psychological well-being related measures (depressive symptoms, enjoyment of life, eudemonic well-being, life satisfaction and loneliness) were examined prospectively across different follow-up periods (Waves 6, 2012/2013, 2-year follow-up; and 7, 2014/2015, 4-year follow-up). Regression models assessed associations between wealth, financial-related discrimination, and follow-up psychological measures, controlling for sociodemographic covariates and baseline psychological measures (for longitudinal associations). Mediation analysis informed how much (%) the association between wealth and psychological well-being related measures was explained by financial-related discrimination. RESULTS Participants from the poorest, but not middle, (vs. richest) wealth groups were more likely to experience financial-related discrimination (OR = 1.97; 95%CI = 1.49, 2.59). The poorest (vs. richest) wealth was also longitudinally associated with increased depressive symptoms and decreased enjoyment of life, eudemonic well-being and life satisfaction in both 2-year and 4-year follow-ups, and increased loneliness at 4-year follow-up. Experiencing financial-related discrimination was longitudinally associated with greater depressive symptoms and loneliness, and lower enjoyment of life across follow-up periods. Findings from mediation analysis indicated that financial-related discrimination explained 3-8% of the longitudinal associations between wealth (poorest vs. richest) and psychological well-being related measures. CONCLUSIONS Financial-related discrimination is associated with worse psychological well-being and explains a small proportion of socioeconomic inequalities in psychological well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Bridson
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Bedford Street South, L69 7ZA, Liverpool, UK
| | - Eric Robinson
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Bedford Street South, L69 7ZA, Liverpool, UK
| | - I Gusti Ngurah Edi Putra
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Bedford Street South, L69 7ZA, Liverpool, UK.
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Wang Y, Li X, Yao L, Ren T, Wang T. Effectiveness of social support programmes on loneliness in community-dwelling older adults: study protocol for a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e073739. [PMID: 38072487 PMCID: PMC10729098 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073739] [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] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of loneliness among older adults is of great importance in the field of public health. Numerous studies have provided evidence supporting the effectiveness of social support as a powerful intervention for reducing loneliness in older individuals. However, the specific types of social support that yield positive results are yet to be determined. Therefore, this study aims to conduct a comprehensive review to compare and analyse the effectiveness of different support mechanisms in alleviating loneliness among community-dwelling older adults. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A thorough search will be conducted on various electronic databases, including EMBASE, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Scopus, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Library, China Science and Technology Journal Database (Weipu), WanFang Database, and China Biology Medicine Disc. The search will include randomised controlled trials published in English or Chinese that focus on interventions for loneliness in older individuals, with loneliness as the primary measure of interest. The selection and choice of articles will be the responsibility of both reviewers. The JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Randomised Controlled Trials will be used to assess the methodological quality of the included trials. When sufficient data are obtained and the study is relatively homogeneous, a random-effects or fixed-effects model will be employed to conduct a meta-analysis, yielding a descriptive synthesis of the findings. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval will not be sought for this systematic review as it will exclusively focus on published papers. The review findings will be showcased at a conference dedicated to this specific field and published in an appropriate journal that undergoes peer evaluation. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020226523.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinhua Wang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | | | - Li Yao
- The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Tingting Ren
- The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Tingshu Wang
- Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
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Dobarrio-Sanz I, Chica-Pérez A, Martínez-Linares JM, López-Entrambasaguas OM, Fernández-Sola C, Hernández-Padilla JM. Experiences of poverty amongst low-income older adults living in a high-income country: A qualitative study. J Adv Nurs 2023; 79:4304-4317. [PMID: 37357429 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
AIM To understand the experience of low-income older adults living in poverty in a high-income country. DESIGN A qualitative study based on Gadamer's hermeneutic phenomenology. METHODS A convenience sample of twenty-seven low-income older adults were interviewed in-depth between September 2021 and January 2022. Fleming's method for conducting phenomenological qualitative studies was followed and ATLAS.ti software was used for data analysis. RESULTS Three main themes were extracted from the analysis: (i) 'living in the shadow of poverty', (ii) 'unprotected by the 'social shield' of the welfare state' (iii) 'the struggle to attain good health'. CONCLUSION Living in poverty affects all spheres of life. Older adults living in poverty feel excluded from social support policies and laws. This has a negative impact on the older adults' mental health and can lead to social isolation. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE Nursing interventions to promote health amongst older adults living in poverty should include an assessment of the patient's social determinants and a focus on increasing social participation. Older people living in poverty experience difficulties accessing formal social support so nurses should implement patient navigation interventions that aim to help them overcome the complexities of the system. Nursing interventions to improve mental health amongst older adults living in poverty are much needed. IMPACT Living in poverty increases older adults' vulnerability. Older adults living in poverty suffer from mental health issues as they live under constant pressure to meet their basic needs and lack formal social support. These findings are important for nurses, who play a pivotal role in the design, implementation and evaluation of policies and interventions that promote health equity. REPORTING METHOD The study has been conducted following the COREQ guidelines. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION There has been no public or patient involvement in the design or development of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iria Dobarrio-Sanz
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almeria, Almeria, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Cayetano Fernández-Sola
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almeria, Almeria, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Barjaková M, Garnero A, d'Hombres B. Risk factors for loneliness: A literature review. Soc Sci Med 2023; 334:116163. [PMID: 37625251 PMCID: PMC10523154 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Increasingly, loneliness is being recognised as a serious problem with detrimental effects on health, as well as on social cohesion and community trust. To effectively tackle this complex issue, a clear understanding of the phenomenon and its main drivers is needed. Over years of scientific research on loneliness, many potential risk factors have emerged and been tested empirically. OBJECTIVE This narrative review of 109 studies provides a concise summary of empirical evidence on the main potential risk factors for loneliness and presents an additional section dedicated to the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD Given the very large number of existing studies, emphasis is placed on recent meta-analyses and systematic literature reviews as well as longitudinal studies. Similarly, given the large number of possible risk factors for loneliness, which may differ based on the geographical and cultural context, this review focuses on studies from Europe and North America. RESULTS The results show that demographic factors often correlate with loneliness, but in many cases the link becomes negligible when controlling for other factors. Often, physical and mental health problems are found to be associated with loneliness, and so are some psychological factors, such as neuroticism or extroversion. Loneliness also depends on the environment in which one lives, and possibly the broader socio-economic and socio-cultural contexts. Nevertheless, the review shows that ultimately everything comes down to the quantity and quality of social relationships. In particular, marital status, living arrangements and the characteristics of one's personal social network are quite consistently found to be among the strongest predictors of loneliness. These main findings about the risk factors for loneliness remained valid also during the COVID-19 pandemic. POLICY IMPLICATIONS The findings of this review have implications for policy, as understanding who the most vulnerable groups are is key for designing targeted policy solutions that tackle loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Garnero
- Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs, OECD, France
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Amendola S, Cerutti R, von Wyl A. Estimating the prevalence and characteristics of people in severe social isolation in 29 European countries: A secondary analysis of data from the European Social Survey round 9 (2018-2020). PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291341. [PMID: 37699030 PMCID: PMC10497126 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The main aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of people in severe social isolation as a proxy for high risk of hikikomori using data from 29 European countries. The relationship between the presence/absence of severe social isolation and demographic and psychosocial variables was also investigated. Publicly available data from the European Social Survey (ESS) round 9 collected between August 2018 and January 2020 were used. Data from the ESS round 1 (September 2002 -December 2003) and round 10 (September 2020 -May 2022) were also examined to investigate changes in the prevalence of severe social isolation over time. Analyses were restricted to the working-age population (15-64 years). A complex sampling design to obtain weighted prevalence and results was used. The study protocol was preregistered online on the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/6a7br/). The weighted prevalence of severe social isolation was 2.01% for the sample from the ESS 1, 1.77% for the sample from the ESS 9, and 1.71% for the sample from the ESS 10, indicating a decrease over time, mainly in males. Logistic regression models showed that different sociodemographic factors (e.g., being retired, being permanently sick or disabled, doing housework, living in Central and Eastern Europe, living uncomfortably on household income, having no income) were associated with severe social isolation. Further, feeling unsafe when walking alone in the neighbourhood after dark, low social trust, and support, decreased happiness and lack of future planning correlated with severe social isolation after adjustment for the effect of sociodemographic factors was made. In this study, the prevalence of severe social isolation as a proxy for hikikomori in European countries is in line with that found by previous representative studies conducted in Asian countries. The novelty of the findings as well as implications for hikikomori research are discussed according to recent scientific literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Amendola
- Department of Applied Psychology, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rita Cerutti
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Health Studies, Sapienza–University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Agnes von Wyl
- Department of Applied Psychology, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland
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Smith ML, Racoosin J, Wilkerson R, Ivey RM, Hawkley L, Holt-Lunstad J, Cudjoe TKM. Societal- and community-level strategies to improve social connectedness among older adults. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1176895. [PMID: 37213616 PMCID: PMC10192856 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1176895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Lee Smith
- School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- Center for Community Health and Aging, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- Center for Health Equity and Evaluation Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Matthew Lee Smith
| | - Jillian Racoosin
- Foundation for Social Connection, Washington, DC, United States
- Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness, Washington, DC, United States
- Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection, Washington, DC, United States
| | | | - Ronald Matthew Ivey
- The Human Flourishing Program, The Institute for Quantitative Social Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Louise Hawkley
- Academic Research Centers, NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Julianne Holt-Lunstad
- Foundation for Social Connection, Washington, DC, United States
- Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection, Washington, DC, United States
- Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Thomas K. M. Cudjoe
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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