Perceptions of Living Alone Among Older Adult Women

Abstract

This exploratory study examines older women's perceptions of living alone. Older adult women (N = 53) living alone were interviewed. Findings show tremendous variability in the perceptions of this sample. Whereas some women showed significant levels of loneliness and depression, many did not. Thirteen percent of the participants (n = 7) negatively perceived living alone, 49.1% (n = 26) neutrally perceived living alone, and 37.7% (n = 20) positively perceived living alone. Participants' most enjoyed aspects of living alone were being one's own boss/being independent (51%) and keeping one's own schedule (49%). Common responses for least enjoyable aspects of living alone were lack of companionship (62%), no one to help with housework (36%), and fear of falling or getting hurt (30%). Nurses should be aware that although some have perceived older adult women living alone as a vulnerable population, one cannot make assumptions based on living arrangements.

Is the Barthel Index an Adequate Assessment Tool for Identifying a Risk Group in Elderly People Living at Home?

“…We can therefore assume that living alone will continue to be an ongoing trend among elderly people. The literature increasingly considers people living alone as a vulnerable group [36,37,38]. Contrary to the literature, a further secondary analysis of this study yielded that, despite their higher age, people aged 70+ living alone subjectively considered their functional health, in accordance with the biopsychosocial framework of the ICF classification, to be better than that of the 70+-year-olds not living alone.…”

Aging and the Decision to Live Alone

“…13 Over time, general health care assistance and personal support may be needed. The decision to live alone usually impacts the children, spouses, siblings, and friends.…”

The Meaning of Home for Aging Women Living Alone in North Eastern Ontario

“…Risks include personal safety, loneliness and isolation, challenges with preparing food, and difficulties with home maintenance (Eshbaugh, 2008;Hinck, 2004;Löfqvist et al, 2013;Porter, 2007;Sixsmith et al, 2014). For formal care providers and family members these risks trigger concerns about safety that may result in the call for relocation (Golant, 2008;Klinenberg, 2012;Michael & Yen, 2014).…”

“…Home has come to symbolize recovery from illness and is often seen to facilitate health because of the independence and resources home offers (Fӓnge & Ivanhoff, 2009;Godfrey & Townsend, 2008). In fact, home is not synonymous with isolation and loneliness (Eshbaugh, 2008;Hinck, 2004). Portacolone (2013Portacolone ( , 2015 explored the balance between the risks and benefits of home through the concept of precariousness within individual resources, service provision and societal emphasis on independence.…”

“…Discussion about aging at home intensifies with the very old and, in particular, with women who live longer than men and are more likely to live their remaining years alone (Klinenberg, 2012;Statistics Canada, 2011). Aging and living alone has come to mean mounting vulnerabilities, fear, risk, loneliness, and isolation (Eshbaugh, 2008;Klinenberg, 2012Klinenberg, , 2016Victor, Scambler, Bond, & Bowling, 2000). Women living longer and alone face an increase in chronic disease, a decrease in personal and financial resources, and often a decrease in informal care partner (Davidson, DiGiacomo, & McGrath, 2011;Kinsella, 2000;Perrig-Chiello & Hutchison, 2010).…”