Factors associated with loneliness among individuals aged 80 years and over: Findings derived from the nationally representative "Old Age in Germany (D80+)" study

Abstract

Objectives: To clarify the factors associated with loneliness in individuals aged 80 years and older in Germany (also stratified by sex). Methods: Data from the nationally representative “Old Age in Germany (D80+)” were employed. The analytic sample equaled 10,031 individuals. The D80+ study included community-dwelling and institutionalized individuals ≥ 80 years in Germany. Multiple linear regressions were used (with sociodemographic and health-related explanatory factors). The collection of data occurred between November 2020 and April 2021 (written questionnaire). Results: Higher loneliness was significantly associated with not being married (e.g., widowed compared to being married, β=0.37, p