Loneliness among older adults in the community during COVID-19: a cross-sectional survey in Canada

Abstract

ObjectivePhysical distancing and stay-at-home measures implemented to slow transmission of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) may intensify feelings of loneliness in older adults, especially those living alone. Our aim was to characterise the extent of loneliness during the first wave in a sample of older adults living in the community and assess characteristics associated with loneliness.DesignOnline cross-sectional survey between 6 May and 19 May 2020.SettingOntario, Canada.ParticipantsConvenience sample of members of a national retired educators’ organisation.Primary outcome measuresSelf-reported loneliness, including differences between women and men.Results4879 respondents (71.0% women; 67.4% 65–79 years) reported that in the preceding week, 43.1% felt lonely at least some of the time, including 8.3% who felt lonely always or often. Women had increased odds of loneliness compared with men, whether living alone (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.52, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.04) or with others (2.44, 95% CI 2.04 to 2.92). Increasing age group decreased the odds of loneliness (aOR 0.69 (95% CI 0.59 to 0.81) 65–79 years and 0.50 (95% CI 0.39 to 0.65) 80+ years compared with <65 years). Living alone was associated with loneliness, with a greater association in men (aOR 4.26, 95% CI 3.15 to 5.76) than women (aOR 2.65, 95% CI 2.26 to 3.11). Other factors associated with loneliness included: fair or poor health (aOR 1.93, 95% CI 1.54 to 2.41), being a caregiver (aOR 1.18, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.37), receiving care (aOR 1.47, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.81), high concern for the pandemic (aOR 1.55, 95% CI 1.31 to 1.84), not experiencing positive effects of pandemic distancing measures (aOR 1.94, 95% CI 1.62 to 2.32) and changes to daily routine (aOR 2.81, 95% CI 1.96 to 4.03).ConclusionsWhile many older adults reported feeling lonely during COVID-19, several characteristics—such as being female and living alone—increased the odds of loneliness. These characteristics may help identify priorities for targeting interventions to reduce loneliness.

Assessment of Post-COVID-19 Quality of Life Using the Quality of Life Index

“… 50 Both young and older adults were at risk of loneliness and its consequences for their well-being. 51 , 52 Lower levels of general health, physical function, and spiritual well-being were also associated with older age. 33 , 53 The time since diagnosis had no correlation with the QLI score or its subscales.…”

Managing Perceived Loneliness and Social-Isolation Levels for Older Adults: A Survey with Focus on Wearables-Based Solutions

“…The authors in [ 16 ] study the neurobiology of loneliness and listed different sensor-based markers related to loneliness, such as various tomographies or Electroencephalography (EEG). The recent survey in [ 17 ] deals with loneliness of older adults during the COVID-19 era. No quantified metrics are used there; rather, the analysis is based on self-reported data.…”

“…Innovations, such as Wii Bowling, can provide new opportunities for socializing and, as a result, minimize loneliness [ 69 ]. While the COVID-19 pandemic has increased loneliness among older adults, the rapid development of different digital e-services and applications have provided means for online socializing and, thus, decreased feelings of isolation and loneliness [ 17 ].…”

The Psychosocial Impact of COVID-19 on Older Adults with Cancer: A Rapid Review

“…Recent reviews suggest that COVID-19 has created considerable anxiety, irritability, feelings of paranoia, and depression amongst community-dwelling older adults and people with serious comorbidities [ 10 ]. One Canadian study exploring loneliness amongst community-dwelling older adults found that 43.1% of older adults had experienced loneliness at least some of the time in the preceding week [ 11 ]. Factors associated with increased loneliness included having fair or poor health, changes to daily routine, and having a high concern for the pandemic [ 11 ].…”