Predictors of loneliness in older people: a national longitudinal study

Abstract

Loneliness in old age is rarely considered from a gender perspective, despite gender differences in life experiences. This study examined a) changes in reported loneliness over time, and b) factors predicting loneliness, in a sample (N=587) of older people (70+ years) from the 2004 and 2011 waves of SWEOLD, a Swedish longitudinal national survey. The prediction of loneliness in 2011 by variables measured in 2004 and 2004-2011 variable change scores was examined in three logistic regression models: total sample; women; and men. Results indicated that despite an increase in loneliness with age, many older people moved into and out of loneliness over time. Loneliness at baseline, depression increment and recent widowhood were significant predictors of loneliness in all three models. Widowhood, depression, mobility problems and mobility reduction predicted loneliness uniquely for women; while low level of social contacts and social contact reduction predicted loneliness uniquely for men. These results challenge the notion that feelings of loneliness in old age are stable, and demonstrate gender differences in predictors of loneliness, important findings for evidenced-based interventions to combat later life loneliness.