Understanding Loneliness in Older Adults in Care Facilities
Author Information
Author(s): Gill Amarjot, Sullivan Suzanne
Primary Institution: University at Buffalo, SUNY
Hypothesis
What are the experiences and underlying mechanisms of loneliness in older adults living in residential care facilities?
Conclusion
Loneliness in residential care facilities is influenced by older adults' perceptions and social contexts, which can lead to emotional distress and lower quality of life.
Supporting Evidence
- Loneliness in residential care facilities can lead to poor health outcomes.
- Three core themes of loneliness were identified: relational experiences, emotional distress, and contextual influences.
- A conceptual model was developed to illustrate the mechanisms of loneliness in older adults.
Takeaway
Older people in care homes often feel lonely because they miss their friends and family, and this can make them feel sad and less happy.
Methodology
This systematic review analyzed articles from various databases published between 2018 and 2023, focusing on older adults' experiences of loneliness.
Limitations
The review only included articles published in English and may not represent all experiences of loneliness in older adults.
Participant Demographics
Older adults in residential care facilities.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website