Loneliness and Childlessness in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Rataj Alison, Alberth Andrew, Su Yan-Jhu, Stam Elisabeth, Stokes Jeffrey
Primary Institution: University of Massachusetts Boston
Hypothesis
Does friendship and gender play a role in the association between loneliness and childlessness in middle to late life?
Conclusion
Childless individuals are significantly lonelier than those with children, and this loneliness is influenced by friendship support and gender.
Supporting Evidence
- Childless individuals were found to be lonelier than those with children.
- Friend support significantly reduced loneliness for childless adults.
- Midlife and older men reported higher loneliness levels than women.
Takeaway
People without kids tend to feel lonelier, especially women, but having friends can help reduce that loneliness.
Methodology
This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the Health and Retirement Study using ordinary least squares regression.
Limitations
The study may not account for all factors influencing loneliness and relies on self-reported data.
Participant Demographics
Older adults aged 50 and above, with a focus on childless individuals.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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