Exploring the meaning of loneliness among socially isolated older adults in rural Ireland: a qualitative investigation

Power, Joanna McHugh; Hannigan, Caoimhe; Carney, Síle; Lawlor, Brian A.

doi:10.1080/14780887.2017.1329363

Cited by 28 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…Another study limitation is that while the Irish cohort was national and as such included both urban and rural dwellers, the Swedish cohort was urban only, which may mean that there are systematic differences across the cohorts that might affect their perspectives on social isolation. We previously found that rural older Irish adults, for instance, define loneliness in a manner different from that previously found in the literature (McHugh Power, Hannigan, Carney and Lawlor [41]), citing low geographical density and relative isolation as positive aspects of rural living, while loneliness was seen as more of a reaction to the possible security consequences of living in an isolated place. This association between rural dwelling and loneliness has been reported cross-sectionally in Ireland previously [43], while rurality was also shown to predict increasing social isolation over time in an English ageing population [44].…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 68%

“…models 5 and 6). Therefore the most appropriate comparator was model 3 ("Social Asymmetry Fixed") older Irish adults who are socially isolated [41]. A separate qualitative study with Swedish participants previously found that loneliness connoted a state that departs from the norm of social connectedness, occurring because of the absence of, or rejection by, important others [42].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Comparisons of the discrepancy between loneliness and social isolation across Ireland and Sweden: findings from TILDA and SNAC-K

Power

Sjöberg

Kee

et al. 2019

Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol

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Purpose Loneliness may have different cultural meanings in different countries. This may manifest as differing levels of Social Asymmetry-the discrepancy between loneliness and social isolation. Since loneliness is thought to be low in Sweden relative to more southerly countries, we hypothesised that more number of individuals would also fall into the "discordant robust" category of Social Asymmetry, i.e. that more individuals in Sweden would have lower loneliness levels relative to social isolation than in Ireland. We also explored the clinical relevance of Social Asymmetry in both countries, by examining its association with cognitive functioning. Methods We derived Social Asymmetry metrics in two representative cohort studies: the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) and the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (SNAC-K). Data pertaining to a dementia-free sample of 4565 Irish participants and 3042 Swedish participants, all aged over 60 years, were analysed using a multilevel modelling approach, with country as a higher-order variable. Results Contrary to the expected, more individuals in Ireland were "discordant robust" than in Sweden. We also found evidence for superior performance in global cognitive functioning among those in the "discordant robust" category relative to those in the discordant susceptible (i.e. those with higher levels of loneliness than social isolation) category, β = 0.61, p < .001, across both countries. Conclusions Irish older adults may be more robust to the impact of social isolation on loneliness than those in the Swedish cohort. Social Asymmetry was related to cognitive functioning in both countries, suggesting that Social Asymmetry is a clinically relevant construct.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 68%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparisons of the discrepancy between loneliness and social isolation across Ireland and Sweden: findings from TILDA and SNAC-K

Power

Sjöberg

Kee

et al. 2019

Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol

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“…Our findings add to a body of qualitative studies which, although they have explored experiences of, and precursors to, loneliness and social isolation in diverse older populations, they have not investigated the experiences of loneliness or social isolation of people with contrasting groups of PA level [ 14 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 ]. The findings support qualitative literature regarding the precursors of loneliness, such as a lack of intimate relationships [ 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 ] and informal caring roles [ 59 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 81%

Profiles of Loneliness and Social Isolation in Physically Active and Inactive Older Adults in Rural England

Koning

Richards

Wood

et al. 2021

IJERPH

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Objective: Loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher risk of morbidity and mortality and physical inactivity in older age. This study explored the socioecological context in which both physically active and inactive older adults experience loneliness and/or social isolation in a UK rural setting. Design: A mixed-methods design employed semi structured interviews and accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Interviews explored the personal, social and environmental factors influencing engagement with physical activities, guided by an adapted-socioecological model of physical activity behaviour. Findings: Twenty-four older adults (MeanAge = 73 (5.8 SD); 12 women) were interviewed. Transcripts were thematically analysed and seven profiles of physical activity, social isolation and loneliness were identified. The high-MVPA group had established PA habits, reported several sources of social contact and evaluated their physical environment as activity friendly. The low MVPA group had diverse experiences of past engagement in social activities. Similar to the high MVPA, they reported a range of sources of social contact but they did not perceive the physical environment as activity friendly. Conclusions: Loneliness and/or social isolation was reported by both physically active and inactive older adults. There is wide diversity and complexity in types and intensity of PA, loneliness and social isolation profiles and personal, social and environmental contexts.

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“…Our own qualitative investigations into loneliness, using interpretative phenomenological analysis, showed that loneliness was not frequently associated with social isolation for individuals, and when asked what loneliness meant for them, only two out of 13 individuals referred to social isolation or aloneness. Most individuals spoke of loneliness as meaning boredom, a lack of physical and personal security, shame, a lack of activity, and as something that varied according to place, such that urban areas were the loneliest (McHugh Power, Hannigan, Carney, & Lawlor, 2017). The clear discrepancy between what individuals report their experiences of loneliness to consist of and how it is described in current health research indicates that there is a pressing need for a more nuanced understanding of the concept.…”

Section: Empirical Ways Forwardmentioning

confidence: 99%

Conceptualizing loneliness in health research: Philosophical and psychological ways forward.

Power

Dolezal

Kee

et al. 2018

Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology

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Increasing attention is being paid to loneliness, and to its impact on the health of older people, across numerous disciplines including psychology, public health, social policy, and psychiatry. In tandem, there has been increasing interest in the impact of social factors on health. However, definitions of loneliness are disparate, and a consensus on its meaning is arguably lacking. Often, loneliness is conflated with similar but distinct concepts such as social isolation, absence of social support, or a lack of social connectedness. We submit that the concept of loneliness requires clarification, especially in the extant health literature. We attempt to synthesize theories of loneliness provide a framework for future interventions. We further argue that the necessary clarification can be achieved using both empirical and nonempirical methodologies, under a transdisciplinary effort. We describe the potential for psychology, public health, and philosophy to come together to achieve this conceptual clarity around loneliness and to develop effective interventions on this problematic experience as a result.

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Exploring the meaning of loneliness among socially isolated older adults in rural Ireland: a qualitative investigation

Cited by 28 publications

References 33 publications

Comparisons of the discrepancy between loneliness and social isolation across Ireland and Sweden: findings from TILDA and SNAC-K

Comparisons of the discrepancy between loneliness and social isolation across Ireland and Sweden: findings from TILDA and SNAC-K

Profiles of Loneliness and Social Isolation in Physically Active and Inactive Older Adults in Rural England

Conceptualizing loneliness in health research: Philosophical and psychological ways forward.

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