Loneliness in older age: What is it, why is it happening and what should we do about it in Australia?. (30th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ogrin, Rajna; Cyarto, Elizabeth V.; Harrington, Karra D.; Haslam, Catherine; Lim, Michelle H.; Golenko, Xanthe; Bush, Matiu; Vadasz, Danny; Johnstone, Georgina; Lowthian, Judy A.
• Is Part Of: Australasian journal on ageing. Volume 40:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 202
• Page End: 207
• Publication Date: 2021-03-30
• Subjects: ageing -- community integration -- loneliness -- social connection; Older people -- Periodicals; Older people -- Australia -- Periodicals; Old age -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1111/ajag.12929
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1440-6381

Abstract

Abstract: Loneliness is an important health issue facing older people due to its association with poor quality of life and poor health outcomes. This paper aimed to clarify key issues around loneliness among older adults and draw attention to innovative programs and the translation of emerging research into practice. Loneliness is a mismatch between a person's actual and desired social connections, experienced as negative emotions. Older adults are vulnerable to loneliness because of changes associated with ageing. As such, identifying as older is often seen as a burden, negatively impacting self‐esteem, sense of purpose and relevance, culminating in loneliness. Interventions combatting loneliness can target individuals, relationships, communities or societies. We advocate for an intersectoral approach to support healthy ageing and reduce loneliness. This will require further research to evaluate new approaches with loneliness as the primary outcome, and additional funding to translate evidence into an integrated multi‐level approach to addressing loneliness.