In our interviews with older people over the past 15 years, some have described the phenomenon of ‘tiredness of life’ in a matter-of-fact way – as though they are talking about the weather.
Articles on Loneliness among elderly
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We found physical isolation, represented by the number of lockdown days, did not significantly affect loneliness.
Loneliness comes in many forms and can strike at any time and at any age.
Many older people tend to trim their social circles and focus their social efforts on family and close friends. New research on our close primate relatives may help explain why.
Simple policies, such as the free bus pass for older adults, not only reduce loneliness but also help older people maintain cognitive function.
Increasing numbers of older Australians don’t own their homes. Whether they are private renters or live in social housing can make a big difference to their risk of loneliness and anxiety.
Robots address challenges care systems face – and could even provide companionship to those who need it most.
Around 140 Australian nursing-home residents have taken their own lives between 2000 and 2013, our new study shows.
Both young and old can feel like they don’t belong. But loneliness is a social problem, with a social solution.
For those who are finding the social distancing isolating, here are some lessons from ancient hermits, who often found joy in being alone.
Older people are less lonely than we think, but more importantly loneliness is something they face all year round – not just at Christmas.
Residents may be right to fear for their lives.
Loneliness shortens our life spans and some studies suggest it’s even more lethal than obesity. We are physiologically and psychologically primed for connection, so don’t shrug off your loneliness.
Millions of American children are being cared for by grandparents. To honor Grandparents Day we ask: What are the social and health impacts of this often unexpected turn of events?
Scammers target people who crave social contact.
Loneliness is a major cause of health problems, and many programs have aimed to alleviate it among the elderly. But it might be wise to treat loneliness at its roots, which for many is in childhood.
Top contributors
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Reader in Education with Psychology and Centre for Death and Society, University of Bath
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Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Bournemouth University
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Associate Dean and Chief Academic Officer for Nursing and Director, Project Healthy Grandparents, Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions, Georgia State University
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Professor, Aged Care Medical Research Australian Centre for Evidence Based Aged Care, La Trobe University
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Professor of Social Care, Bournemouth University
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Research fellow, Monash University
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Director of the Centre for Post Qualifying Social Work, Bournemouth University
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Director Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, and Professor of Machine Intelligence, Sheffield Hallam University
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Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Columbia University
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Assistant Professor, Management, Concordia University
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Professor of Early Christianity, Cornell University
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Professor Applied Social and Policy Research; Director, Centre for Loneliness Studies, Sheffield Hallam University
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Kenneth D. Lewis Distinguished Chair in Interdisciplinary Health Studies, Georgia State University
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Research assistant and policy analyst, University of Huddersfield
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Lecturer in Psychology, Keele University