Loneliness and associated factors among older adults during COVID-19 lockdown in Spain

González, Ruth Pinedo; Ortega, Eva González; Vicario-Molina, Isabel; Picos, Andrés Palacios; Baz, Ma. Begoña Orgaz

doi:10.1016/j.appdev.2023.101547

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…There is contradictory empirical evidence in the case of education. Some studies suggest that loneliness is more intense and/or frequent among people with lower levels of education [ 38 – 40 ], but others have found no association [ 41 , 42 ] and there are even studies whose findings suggest that higher qualifications are associated with greater experiences of loneliness [ 43 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Socioeconomic status, loneliness, and depression among older adults: a cross-sectional study in Spain

Sánchez-Moreno,

Gallardo-Peralta,

Barrón López de Roda

et al. 2024

BMC Geriatr

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Background The association between socioeconomic status and depression is weaker in older adults than in younger populations. Loneliness may play a significant role in this relationship, explaining (at least partially) the attenuation of the social gradient in depression. The current study examined the relationship between socioeconomic status and depression and whether the association was affected by loneliness. Methods A cross-sectional design involving dwelling and nursing homes residents was used. A total of 887 Spanish residents aged over 64 years took part in the study. Measures of Depression (GDS-5 Scale), Loneliness (De Jong-Gierveld Loneliness Scale), Socioeconomic Status (Education and Economic Hardship), and sociodemographic parameters were used. The study employed bivariate association tests (chi-square and Pearson’s r) and logistic regression analyses. Results The percentage of participants at risk of suffering depression was significantly higher among those who had not completed primary education (45.5%) and significantly lower among those with university qualifications (16.4%) (X2 = 40.25;p <.001), and respondents who could not make ends meet in financial terms faced a higher risk of depression (X2 = 23.62;p <.001). In terms of the respondents who experienced loneliness, 57.5% were at risk of depression, compared to 19% of those who did not report loneliness (X2 = 120.04;p <.001). The logistic regression analyses showed that having university qualifications meant a 47% reduction in the risk of depression. This risk was 86% higher among respondents experiencing financial difficulties. However, when scores for the loneliness measure were incorporated, the coefficients relating to education and economic hardships ceased to be significant or were significantly reduced. Conclusion Loneliness can contribute to explaining the role played by socioeconomic inequalities in depression among older adults.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Socioeconomic status, loneliness, and depression among older adults: a cross-sectional study in Spain

Sánchez-Moreno,

Gallardo-Peralta,

Barrón López de Roda

et al. 2024

BMC Geriatr

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Digital Social Connectedness as a Lifeline for Older People: Use and Non-use of VinclesBCN During the Pandemic

Rodríguez-Giralt,

López-Gómez,

Beneito-Montagut

2024

Int J Disaster Risk Sci

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This article presents the results of a study that evaluated VinclesBCN during COVID-19. This digital-based public social service aims to prevent loneliness and isolation in +65-year-old adults living in Barcelona. Through service user (N = 12) and professional (N = 6) interviews and a questionnaire with service users (N = 255), we demonstrate the pivotal role of digital connectedness in transforming VinclesBCN into a lifeline during the pandemic. The analysis revealed the importance of sociability, social support, and, especially, entertainment in coping with pandemic fatigue and facilitating social connectivity and support among users. Users engaged in activities such as sharing images, songs, memes, and daily greetings to provide proximity, sociability, and care among users, whether they belonged to preexisting groups or were newly introduced to the platform. It also facilitated the identification of individuals who needed companionship, comfort, or more specialized support. The findings emphasize the significance of entertainment as a resilience-building strategy during times of uncertainty. Despite the positive impact, not all users equally used the platform. Non-use was strongly associated with being a woman, having a low educational level, having preexisting social relationships, less time of enrolment in the platform, as well as a high perception of loneliness, poor self-reported health, and low mood. The article underscores the need for further research into older adults’ digital engagement during crises, its role in building resilience, and advocating for inclusive digital interventions that take into account diverse older adults’ needs and experiences in crisis contexts.

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The association between loneliness and mental health disorders in older people after the COVID-19 pandemic

Araújo,

Sousa,

Sampaio

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Background Acknowledging the exacerbated impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health status of the general population, particularly the older population, this study aimed to explore the association between loneliness and mental health disorders in older people after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional survey using the SHARE database was conducted from June to August 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Results The sample comprised 847 participants, including 393 (46.4%) men, with an overall mean age of 74.6 years (sd = 6.7 years). Concerning mental health indicators, 441 (52.1%) reported feelings of nervousness, 384 (45.3%) experienced sadness or depression, 349 (41.2%) encountered sleeping difficulties, and 280 (33.1%) reported experiencing loneliness often or some of the time. The results revealed increased loneliness feelings for women who had worse health, increased fear of falling, dizziness, heightened fatigue, anxiety, depression, and concurrent health and sleep problems. Notably, age and medication had no impact on feeling lonely. Conclusions The pandemic has adversely affected the mental well-being of older population. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of targeted strategies to prevent mental health problems.

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Loneliness and associated factors among older adults during COVID-19 lockdown in Spain

Cited by 4 publications

References 60 publications

Socioeconomic status, loneliness, and depression among older adults: a cross-sectional study in Spain

Socioeconomic status, loneliness, and depression among older adults: a cross-sectional study in Spain

Digital Social Connectedness as a Lifeline for Older People: Use and Non-use of VinclesBCN During the Pandemic

The association between loneliness and mental health disorders in older people after the COVID-19 pandemic

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