Social Connection, Loneliness, and Solutions: Perceptions of Older Adults

Abstract

Loneliness is a growing international problem and is expected to increase as the population ages. We aimed to explore the experience of social connection and loneliness in older adults and the acceptability of emerging approaches to mitigate loneliness. Underpinned by a constructivist paradigm, we conducted an interpretative qualitative study involving interviews with 31 community dwelling older adults living in a regional metropolitan area and examined the data using inductive thematic analysis. Four key themes were identified: (1) Age related changes to social connection; (2) Key connections in later age and how these are sourced; (3) Navigating being alone and the experience of loneliness; and (4) Fostering health and social connection in later life. Older adults in our study experienced social connection and loneliness on a spectrum from a greater or lesser extent, influenced by engagement with family, friends or engagement in group activities and volunteering. Participants were selective and preferred social opportunities based on interest. The results suggest that approaches to ameliorating loneliness should particularly target older people who live alone, have mobility challenges, do not drive, or have low digital literacy.