Facing the challenge of adapting to a life ‘alone’ in old age: the influence of losses

Abstract

kirkevold m., moyle w., wilkinson c., meyer j. & hauge s. (2012) Facing the challenge of adapting to a life ‘alone’ in old age: the influence of losses. Journal of Advanced Nursing69(2), 394–403. Abstract Aim. The aim of this study is to explore older people’s approaches to living a life characterized by losses and ‘aloneness’ and how this relates to loneliness. Background. Loneliness is closely related to social status and health condition. Older people are vulnerable to experiences of loneliness due to losses, which follow the ageing process. Method. A qualitative interpretative design was used. Older people, aged 65 and above, living at home, in retirement villages, or in long‐term care settings in Australia, Norway, and UK participated. Seventy‐eight persons were included. Data were collected through open‐ended interviews during autumn of 2006 and spring of 2007. The interviews were audio taped, transcribed, and analysed applying a hermeneutic, interpretative process. Findings. Analyses revealed great differences in the way participants handled their life situation. Interviewees describing themselves as ‘not lonely’ viewed losses as normal, and they participated in meaningful activities, connected to other people and thrived in their own company. Those describing themselves as ‘lonely’ on the other hand, strove to create meaning in their lives, were overwhelmed by losses, had problems finding meaningful activities and difficulty keeping up social relations. Conclusion. Loneliness was associated with overwhelming losses, inactivity, meaninglessness, and social isolation. The contrasting findings between ‘not lonely’ and ‘lonely’ older people have implications for nursing in that nurses must seek to identify those who need help in managing their loneliness and give guidance and support. More research is needed to develop interventions that are effective in reducing loneliness.

“Being all alone makes me sad”: loneliness in older adults with depressive symptoms

“…Also, not lonely older persons try to deal with infrequent contact with children by not depending too heavily on them but to focus on social relationships outside of their families. In contrast, lonely elders feel disappointed in their children and their limited contact is perceived as an important cause of loneliness (McInnis and White, 2001;Kirkevold et al, 2013), as also confirmed by our findings. Lonely persons rather wait for others to connect with them, instead of taking matters into their own hands.…”

Encountering existential loneliness among older people: perspectives of health care professionals

“…The impact of these losses and how they are managed seem to be associated with feelings of loneliness (Kirkevold, Moyle, Wilkinson, Meyer, & Hauge, 2013). Unlike separation anxiety, loneliness arises when a loss has occurred, rather than when it is feared.…”

Being in a Bubble: the experience of loneliness among frail older people

“…, Smith , Kirkevold et al . ) the experience of loneliness among frail older people, in particular, appears to have drawn less attention. Prevention and early intervention has been emphasized for counteracting negative outcomes experienced by frail older persons (Heuberger ).…”