Cross-national Comparisons of Social Isolation and Loneliness: Introduction and Overview

Abstract

This article provides an introduction to the special volume on research related to issues of social isolation and loneliness for older people. It discusses some key concepts and provides a brief overview of the articles included in the volume.

Living arrangements and loneliness of South Asian immigrant seniors in Edmonton, Canada

“…Consistent with previous research findings ( e.g. de Jong Gierveld and Havens 2004; Greenfield and Russell 2011), our study showed that living alone was associated with feeling lonely. Our findings suggest that the norm of extended family living in traditional South Asian societies and the continuation of this norm among South Asian immigrants in Canada, although with various modifications (Choudhry 2001), ameliorate some of the risks of loneliness that come with being an ageing immigrant.…”

Living arrangements and loneliness of South Asian immigrant seniors in Edmonton, Canada

“…Consistent with previous research findings ( e.g. de Jong Gierveld and Havens 2004; Greenfield and Russell 2011), our study showed that living alone was associated with feeling lonely. Our findings suggest that the norm of extended family living in traditional South Asian societies and the continuation of this norm among South Asian immigrants in Canada, although with various modifications (Choudhry 2001), ameliorate some of the risks of loneliness that come with being an ageing immigrant.…”

How does difficulty communicating affect the social relationships of older adults? An exploration using data from a national survey

“…As expected, demographic, health, and disability characteristics were also significant predictors of social relationship characteristics which is consistent with previous studies of older adults (de Jong-Gierveld & Havens, 2004; Dugan & Kivett, 1994; Grenade & Boldy, 2008; Mugford & Kendig 1987). In general, more positive social outcomes were found for those that were younger, female, married, and in better health.…”

P3‐643: Living Alone and Cognitive Function in Later Life

“…This study aimed to determine whether people living alone are at greater risk of social isolation, feelings of loneliness, and lower engagement in social activity. Consistent with previous work, we found that people living alone are more isolated (de Jong Gierveld & Havens, 2004;de Jong Gierveld, 2003;Gow et al, 2013;Iliffe et al, 2007;Kharicha et al, 2007;Kobayashi et al, 2009) and feel lonelier (de Jong Gierveld & Havens, 2004;de Jong Gierveld, 2003;Newall et al, 2014;Victor et al, 2005) than those living with others. More specifically, people living alone reported greater isolation from family and greater feelings of emotional loneliness than those living with others, but there was no difference in isolation from friends or feelings of social loneliness.…”

Living arrangements and loneliness of South Asian immigrant seniors in Edmonton, Canada

“…Consistent with previous research findings ( e.g. de Jong Gierveld and Havens 2004; Greenfield and Russell 2011), our study showed that living alone was associated with feeling lonely. Our findings suggest that the norm of extended family living in traditional South Asian societies and the continuation of this norm among South Asian immigrants in Canada, although with various modifications (Choudhry 2001), ameliorate some of the risks of loneliness that come with being an ageing immigrant.…”

How does difficulty communicating affect the social relationships of older adults? An exploration using data from a national survey

“…As expected, demographic, health, and disability characteristics were also significant predictors of social relationship characteristics which is consistent with previous studies of older adults (de Jong-Gierveld & Havens, 2004; Dugan & Kivett, 1994; Grenade & Boldy, 2008; Mugford & Kendig 1987). In general, more positive social outcomes were found for those that were younger, female, married, and in better health.…”

P3‐643: Living Alone and Cognitive Function in Later Life

“…This study aimed to determine whether people living alone are at greater risk of social isolation, feelings of loneliness, and lower engagement in social activity. Consistent with previous work, we found that people living alone are more isolated (de Jong Gierveld & Havens, 2004;de Jong Gierveld, 2003;Gow et al, 2013;Iliffe et al, 2007;Kharicha et al, 2007;Kobayashi et al, 2009) and feel lonelier (de Jong Gierveld & Havens, 2004;de Jong Gierveld, 2003;Newall et al, 2014;Victor et al, 2005) than those living with others. More specifically, people living alone reported greater isolation from family and greater feelings of emotional loneliness than those living with others, but there was no difference in isolation from friends or feelings of social loneliness.…”

Living arrangements and loneliness of South Asian immigrant seniors in Edmonton, Canada

“…Consistent with previous research findings ( e.g. de Jong Gierveld and Havens 2004; Greenfield and Russell 2011), our study showed that living alone was associated with feeling lonely. Our findings suggest that the norm of extended family living in traditional South Asian societies and the continuation of this norm among South Asian immigrants in Canada, although with various modifications (Choudhry 2001), ameliorate some of the risks of loneliness that come with being an ageing immigrant.…”

How does difficulty communicating affect the social relationships of older adults? An exploration using data from a national survey

“…As expected, demographic, health, and disability characteristics were also significant predictors of social relationship characteristics which is consistent with previous studies of older adults (de Jong-Gierveld & Havens, 2004; Dugan & Kivett, 1994; Grenade & Boldy, 2008; Mugford & Kendig 1987). In general, more positive social outcomes were found for those that were younger, female, married, and in better health.…”

P3‐643: Living Alone and Cognitive Function in Later Life

“…This study aimed to determine whether people living alone are at greater risk of social isolation, feelings of loneliness, and lower engagement in social activity. Consistent with previous work, we found that people living alone are more isolated (de Jong Gierveld & Havens, 2004;de Jong Gierveld, 2003;Gow et al, 2013;Iliffe et al, 2007;Kharicha et al, 2007;Kobayashi et al, 2009) and feel lonelier (de Jong Gierveld & Havens, 2004;de Jong Gierveld, 2003;Newall et al, 2014;Victor et al, 2005) than those living with others. More specifically, people living alone reported greater isolation from family and greater feelings of emotional loneliness than those living with others, but there was no difference in isolation from friends or feelings of social loneliness.…”