Loneliness, Religion, and Spirituality in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Victor Christina
Primary Institution: Brunel University London
Hypothesis
This study explores the relationship between measures of religious affiliation, attendance, and practice with loneliness for older adults in England.
Conclusion
Religious attendance is associated with lower feelings of loneliness, but this relationship is not significant after adjustment.
Supporting Evidence
- Religious attendance was significantly associated with loneliness.
- Attendance at places of worship was protective against feeling lonely.
- The prevalence of loneliness among the sample was 19%.
- 77% of the sample identified as Christian.
Takeaway
The study looked at how going to church might help older people feel less lonely, but it found that just going to church doesn't always make a difference.
Methodology
The study used data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) and measured loneliness and religious practices through surveys.
Limitations
The relationship between loneliness and religious affiliation or spirituality was not observed, and further studies are needed in diverse populations.
Participant Demographics
The majority of participants were Christian (77%), with 22% having no religion and 49% not attending a place of worship in the last year.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Confidence Interval
CI.62-.85
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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