Loneliness in a day: Activity engagement, time alone, and experienced emotions.

Abstract

The experience of chronic loneliness has been associated with poorer physical health and well-being, including declines in cardiovascular health and higher levels of distressed affect. Given the long-term effects of loneliness on health and well-being, much research has focused on loneliness in older age. The purpose of the current study was to obtain a more detailed picture of the experience of loneliness in midlife and older adulthood by incorporating the context of a day’s activities. We use a modified day reconstruction task to examine the activities in which middle age and older adults engaged, the amount of time they spent alone, and the emotions experienced while engaging in a day’s activities. Lonely individuals did not participate in different daily activities or spend more time alone during the day; however, loneliness was associated with engaging in more activities alone than with others. In regards to emotional experiences, daily activities yield a different profile of positive emotional experiences for lonelier individuals. The social context of daily activities was an important factor in understanding the effects of loneliness on experienced negative emotions. The results of this study provide insight into the influence of loneliness on the structure of a day and context for understanding the emotional experiences of lonely older adults.

Leading a meaningful life at older ages and its relationship with social engagement, prosperity, health, biology, and time use

“…Worthwhile ratings were inversely associated not only with loneliness and living alone, but also with time spent alone on the previous day; a similar pattern has been described in the Health and Retirement Study (21). The observation that people with higher worthwhile ratings spent more time walking or exercising is consistent with the physical activity results.…”

Fun is more fun when others are involved

“…Previous research has suggested that loneliness is less a matter of spending time alone and more a matter of not experiencing a gain in positive emotions from social activity (Hawkley, Burleson, Berntson, & Cacioppo, 2003; Queen, Stawski, Ryan, & Smith, 2014). Also, prior research indicates that whereas lonely individuals find their interactions with close others to be less rewarding than non-lonely individuals do, fewer differences exist in interactions with acquaintances and strangers (e.g., Tsai & Reis, 2009; Williams & Solano, 1983).…”

Factors related to low social participation in older adults: findings from the Fibra study, Brazil

“…It is also an important indicator of earlier functional decline and other negatives outcomes. Additionally, numerous data have shown the effects of decreased social participation on social isolation 5,11 and loneliness in old age 12 . The effects of social participation on the elderly's health and well-being have been proven in several knowledge fields, with robust available data analyzing this phenomenon as independent variable, factor or predictor.…”