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Journal of Public Health

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01-12-2018 | Original Article

Loneliness among older European adults: results from the survey of health, aging and retirement in Europe

Authors: Maria Vozikaki, Angeliki Papadaki, Manolis Linardakis, Anastas Philalithis

Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 6/2018

Abstract

Purpose

Previous research has suggested that individuals are mostly prone to loneliness in their later years of life because of exposure to several risk factors typical of old age. The current study aims to examine possible demographic, health and social determinants of loneliness among older adults in Europe.

Methods

Data on a nationally representative sample of 5074 Europeans aged ≥ 65 years were drawn from the first wave of the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (SHARE, 2004/2005). Frequency of feelings of loneliness was examined according to adverse health conditions, stressful life events and social isolation indicators.

Results

Female gender, older age, lower socioeconomic status, living unpartnered, being childless and having no activity involvement were significantly associated with frequent feelings of loneliness (p < 0.001). The proportion of the respondents who declared enduring loneliness most of the time compared with none of the time was significantly higher among Southern Europeans relative to their Northern counterparts (p < 0.001). Recent departure of offspring from the parental nest was a significant predictor of loneliness in both the second (ORs = 2.08; 95% CI 1.24–3.48) and the third (ORs = 1.75; 95% CI 1.03–2.96) multiple regression models.

Conclusion

In this sample of older Europeans, several demographic characteristics, specific adverse health conditions, stressful life events and social isolation indicators were associated with feelings of loneliness. Policy initiatives for the alleviation of loneliness in older age should therefore aim at improving psychosocial and health-related difficulties faced by this population.

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Title: Loneliness among older European adults: results from the survey of health, aging and retirement in Europe
Authors: Maria Vozikaki
Angeliki Papadaki
Manolis Linardakis
Anastas Philalithis
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Journal of Public Health / Issue 6/2018
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-018-0916-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Loneliness among older European adults: results from the survey of health, aging and retirement in Europe

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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