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Yuan Y, Knight KR, Weeks J, King S, Olsen P, Kushel M. Loneliness among homeless-experienced older adults with cognitive or functional impairments: qualitative findings from the HOPE HOME study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:569. [PMID: 38388904 PMCID: PMC10885402 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18052-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness is more common in older adults and those who face structural vulnerabilities, including homelessness. The homeless population is aging in the United States; now, 48% of single homeless adults are 50 and older. We know little about loneliness among older adults who have experienced homelessness. We aimed to describe the loneliness experience among homeless-experienced older adults with cognitive and functional impairments and the individual, social, and structural conditions that shaped these loneliness experiences. METHODS We purposively sampled 22 older adults from the HOPE HOME study, a longitudinal cohort study among adults aged 50 years or older experiencing homelessness in Oakland, California. We conducted in-depth interviews about participants perceived social support and social isolation. We conducted qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Twenty participants discussed loneliness experience, who had a median age of 57 and were mostly Black (80%) and men (65%). We developed a typology of participants' loneliness experience and explored the individual, social, and structural conditions under which each loneliness experience occurred. We categorized the loneliness experience into four groups: (1) "lonely- distressed", characterized by physical impairment and severe isolation; (2) "lonely- rather be isolated", reflecting deliberate social isolation as a result of trauma, marginalization and aging-related resignation; (3) "lonely- transient", as a result of aging, acceptance and grieving; and (4) "not lonely"- characterized by stability and connection despite having experienced homelessness. CONCLUSIONS Loneliness is a complex and heterogenous social phenomenon, with homeless-experienced older adults with cognitive or functional impairments exhibiting diverse loneliness experiences based on their individual life circumstances and needs. While the most distressing loneliness experience occurred among those with physical impairment and mobility challenges, social and structural factors such as interpersonal and structural violence during homelessness shaped these experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeqing Yuan
- School of Social Work, University of Alaska Anchorage, 2533 Providence Dr., Suite 234, 99508, Anchorage, AK, USA
- Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Center for Vulnerable Populations at Zuckerberg, University of California - San Francisco, 94143, San Francisco, CA, UCSF Box 1339, USA
| | - Kelly R Knight
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California - San Francisco, 490 Illinois Street, 7th Floor, 94143, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - John Weeks
- Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Center for Vulnerable Populations at Zuckerberg, University of California - San Francisco, 94143, San Francisco, CA, UCSF Box 1339, USA
| | - Stephen King
- Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Center for Vulnerable Populations at Zuckerberg, University of California - San Francisco, 94143, San Francisco, CA, UCSF Box 1339, USA
| | - Pamela Olsen
- Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Center for Vulnerable Populations at Zuckerberg, University of California - San Francisco, 94143, San Francisco, CA, UCSF Box 1339, USA
| | - Margot Kushel
- Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Center for Vulnerable Populations at Zuckerberg, University of California - San Francisco, 94143, San Francisco, CA, UCSF Box 1339, USA.
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Yuan Y, Knight KR, Weeks J, King S, Olsen P, Kushel M. Loneliness among older adults who have experienced homelessness: qualitative findings from the HOPE HOME study. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3517416. [PMID: 38014138 PMCID: PMC10680940 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3517416/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Background Loneliness is more common in older adults and those who face structural vulnerabilities, including homelessness. The homeless population is aging. We know little about loneliness among older adults who have experienced homelessness. We aimed to describe the loneliness experience among older adults who have experienced homelessness and the individual, social, and structural conditions that shaped these loneliness experiences. Methods We purposively sampled 22 older adults from the HOPE HOME study, a longitudinal cohort study among adults aged 50 years or older experiencing homelessness in Oakland, California. We conducted in-depth interviews about participants' perceived social support and social isolation. We conducted qualitative content analysis. Results Twenty participants discussed loneliness experience, who had a median age of 57 and were mostly Black (80%) and men (65%). We developed a typology of participants' loneliness experience and explored the individual, social, and structural conditions under which each loneliness experience occurred. We categorized the loneliness experience into four groups: 1) "lonely - distressed", characterized by physical impairment and severe isolation; 2) "lonely - rather be isolated", reflecting deliberate social isolation as a result of trauma, marginalization and aging-related resignation; 3) "lonely - transient", as a result of aging, acceptance and grieving; and 4) "not lonely" - characterized by stability and connection despite having experienced homelessness. Conclusions Loneliness is a complex and heterogenous social phenomenon, with older adults who have experienced homelessness exhibiting diverse loneliness experiences based on their individual life circumstances and needs. While the most distressing loneliness experience occurred among those with physical impairment and mobility challenges, social and structural factors such as interpersonal and structural violence during homelessness shaped these experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeqing Yuan
- School of Social Work, University of Alaska Anchorage
| | - Kelly R Knight
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California - San Francisco
| | - John Weeks
- Center for Vulnerable Populations at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California -San Francisco
| | - Stephen King
- Center for Vulnerable Populations at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California -San Francisco
| | - Pamela Olsen
- Center for Vulnerable Populations at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California -San Francisco
| | - Margot Kushel
- Center for Vulnerable Populations at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California -San Francisco
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Wiese LAK, Gibson A, Guest MA, Nelson AR, Weaver R, Gupta A, Carmichael O, Lewis JP, Lindauer A, Loi S, Peterson R, Radford K, Rhodus EK, Wong CG, Zuelsdorff M, Saidi LG, Valdivieso-Mora E, Franzen S, Pope CN, Killian TS, Shrestha HL, Heyn PC, Ng TKS, Prusaczyk B, John S, Kulshreshtha A, Sheffler JL, Besser L, Daniel V, Tolea MI, Miller J, Musyimi C, Corkey J, Yank V, Williams CL, Rahemi Z, Park J, Magzamen S, Newton RL, Harrington C, Flatt JD, Arora S, Walter S, Griffin P, Babulal GM. Global rural health disparities in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias: State of the science. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:4204-4225. [PMID: 37218539 PMCID: PMC10524180 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Individuals living in rural communities are at heightened risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), which parallels other persistent place-based health disparities. Identifying multiple potentially modifiable risk factors specific to rural areas that contribute to ADRD is an essential first step in understanding the complex interplay between various barriers and facilitators. METHODS An interdisciplinary, international group of ADRD researchers convened to address the overarching question of: "What can be done to begin minimizing the rural health disparities that contribute uniquely to ADRD?" In this state of the science appraisal, we explore what is known about the biological, behavioral, sociocultural, and environmental influences on ADRD disparities in rural settings. RESULTS A range of individual, interpersonal, and community factors were identified, including strengths of rural residents in facilitating healthy aging lifestyle interventions. DISCUSSION A location dynamics model and ADRD-focused future directions are offered for guiding rural practitioners, researchers, and policymakers in mitigating rural disparities. HIGHLIGHTS Rural residents face heightened Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) risks and burdens due to health disparities. Defining the unique rural barriers and facilitators to cognitive health yields insight. The strengths and resilience of rural residents can mitigate ADRD-related challenges. A novel "location dynamics" model guides assessment of rural-specific ADRD issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Ann Kirk Wiese
- C.E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | - Allison Gibson
- University of Kentucky College of Social Work, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Marc Aaron Guest
- Center for Innovation in Healthy and Resilient Aging, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Amy R Nelson
- Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA
| | - Raven Weaver
- Department of Human Development, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Aditi Gupta
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine, Neurology, Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Kansas, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Owen Carmichael
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Jordan P Lewis
- Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, Minnesota, USA
| | - Allison Lindauer
- Oregon Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Samantha Loi
- Neuropsychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rachel Peterson
- University of Montana School of Public and Community Health Sciences, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Kylie Radford
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Elizabeth K Rhodus
- University of Kentucky College of Social Work, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- University of Kentucky Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- University of Kentucky College of Medicine, for Health Equity Transformation, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Christina G Wong
- Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Megan Zuelsdorff
- School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Ladan Ghazi Saidi
- Department of Communication Disorders, Center for Brain Biology and Behavior (CB3), University of Nebraska at Kearney, and Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Esmeralda Valdivieso-Mora
- Department of Psychology and Public Health, Universidad Centroamericana José Simeón Cañas, El Salvador, El Salvador
| | - Sanne Franzen
- Department of Neurology and Alzheimer Center, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Caitlin N Pope
- Department of Health, Behavior, & Society, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Timothy S Killian
- Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Hom L Shrestha
- School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patricia C Heyn
- Center for Optimal Aging, Department of Physical Therapy, Marymount University, Arlington, Virginia, USA
| | - Ted Kheng Siang Ng
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Beth Prusaczyk
- Institute for Informatics (I2), Center for Population Health Informatics at I2, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Samantha John
- Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Ambar Kulshreshtha
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Division of Hospital Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Division of Hospital Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Julia L Sheffler
- Center for Translational Behavioral Science, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Lilah Besser
- Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | - Valerie Daniel
- Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | - Magdalena I Tolea
- Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | - Justin Miller
- Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Christine Musyimi
- Africa Mental Health Research and Training Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Veronica Yank
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Christine L Williams
- C.E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | - Zahra Rahemi
- Clemson School of Nursing, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - JuYoung Park
- Sandler School of Social Work, College of Social Work and Criminal Justice, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | - Sheryl Magzamen
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Robert L Newton
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | | | - Jason D Flatt
- School of Public Health, Department of Social & Behavioral Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, USA
| | - Sonakshi Arora
- Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Sarah Walter
- Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Percy Griffin
- Alzheimer's Therapeutic Research Institute, Alzheimer's Clinical Trials Consortium, University of Southern California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Ganesh M Babulal
- Scientific Engagement, Medical & Scientific Relations, Alzheimer's Association, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Ågren A, Pavlidis G. Sense-Making of Loneliness and Exclusion From Social Relations Among Older Adults in Sweden. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2023; 63:1140-1148. [PMID: 36752678 PMCID: PMC10448986 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnad005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Loneliness and exclusion from social relations (ESR) are frequently addressed as public health issues for older adults. Public discourses potentially influence how loneliness and ESR are understood in society and experienced by the individual. The aim of this study was to analyze how older adults in different parts of Sweden use the discourses and concepts available to them to describe experiences of ESR and loneliness, and how these descriptions are used to construct a self-identity. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 individuals (14 men, 16 women) aged 67-87 years and living in Sweden. Emphasis was, in line with perspectives of discursive psychology, on how individuals draw on discourses to make sense of experiences. The empirical material was analyzed through an inductive process where we were open to finding concepts and themes. RESULTS Most participants emphasized the importance of not being lonely, considered achievable through maintaining an active lifestyle. "Othering" was taking place, where a general image of a "lonely" older adult was referred to when speaking about "others" loneliness. Those who expressed feelings of loneliness related these feelings to loss, being omitted, and other difficult life circumstances. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS States of ESR were discussed more comfortably than loneliness, whereas various linguistic resources were used to distance themselves from loneliness. These findings indicate the need for further studies elaborating on how older adults make sense of ESR and loneliness and what implications this has for older adults' well-being and identity making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Ågren
- Department of Culture and Society, Linköping University, Campus Norrköping, Sweden
| | - George Pavlidis
- Department of Culture and Society, Linköping University, Campus Norrköping, Sweden
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Ypsilanti A, Lazuras L. Loneliness is not a homogeneous experience: An empirical analysis of adaptive and maladaptive forms of loneliness in the UK. Psychiatry Res 2022; 312:114571. [PMID: 35524995 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Understanding loneliness is pivotal to informing relevant evidence-based preventive interventions. The present study examined the prevalence of loneliness in the UK, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the association between loneliness, mental health outcomes, and risk and protective factors for loneliness, after controlling for the effects of social isolation. It was estimated that 18.1% of the population in our study experienced moderately high to very high loneliness. We also found that loneliness was positively associated with self-disgust and social inhibition, and negatively associated with trait optimism and hope. Cluster analysis indicated that two distinct groups emerged among those experiencing higher levels of loneliness: "adaptive" and "maladaptive" loneliness groups. The maladaptive loneliness group displayed psychological characteristics like self-disgust and social inhibition including symptoms of depression and anxiety that can potentially undermine their ability to connect with others and form meaningful social relationships. These findings suggest that not all people experience loneliness in the same way. It is possible that a one-size-fit-all approach to reducing loneliness, may be less effective because it does not take into account the differential psychological profiles and characteristics of lonely people, relevant to their capacity to connect with others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Ypsilanti
- Department of Psychology, Sociology and Politics, Centre for Behavioural Science and Applied Psychology, Sheffield Hallam University, United Kingdom.
| | - Lambros Lazuras
- Department of Psychology, Sociology and Politics, Centre for Behavioural Science and Applied Psychology, Sheffield Hallam University, United Kingdom
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Technological Utopias: Loneliness and Rural Contexts in Western Iberia. SOCIAL SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/socsci11050191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Urbanisation and rural migration in some areas of Spain and Portugal have given rise to rural contexts largely defined by ageing and depopulation. Rural populations have suffered from increasing social isolation, with older people living alone in villages with very few inhabitants and limited access to services. The aim of this study is to analyse the extent to which technology serve as a strategy to improve social relations and how technology influences older adults’ loneliness, its uses, meanings, experiences, and perceptions. Methods: Ethnographic research is conducted in several locations in the border area between Spain and Portugal, supported by semi-structured interviews with 17 rural subjects aged 65 years and older. Results: The results underline two main points. Participants’ definitions point to loneliness as an experience built around nostalgia for those who are no longer there, where the disappearance of rituals in the community also leads to a lack of “social happiness”. Conclusions: We note low levels of digital literacy skills and competence among our participants, with most of them rejecting any technology beyond analogue devices.
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The onset of falls and its effects on perceived social exclusion and loneliness. Evidence from a nationally representative longitudinal study. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2022; 100:104622. [DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2022.104622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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A Conceptual Review of Loneliness in Adults: Qualitative Evidence Synthesis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111522. [PMID: 34770035 PMCID: PMC8582800 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The paper reports an evidence synthesis of how loneliness is conceptualised in qualitative studies in adults. Using PRISMA guidelines, our review evaluated exposure to or experiences of loneliness by adults (aged 16+) in any setting as outcomes, processes, or both. Our initial review included any qualitative or mixed-methods study, published or unpublished, in English, from 1945 to 2018, if it employed an identified theory or concept for understanding loneliness. The review was updated to include publications up to November 2020. We used a PEEST (Participants, Exposure, Evaluation, Study Design, Theory) inclusion criteria. Data extraction and quality assessment (CASP) were completed and cross-checked by a second reviewer. The Evidence of Reviews of Qualitative Research (CERQual) was used to evaluate confidence in the findings. We undertook a thematic synthesis using inductive methods for peer-reviewed papers. The evidence identified three types of distinct but overlapping conceptualisations of loneliness: social, emotional, and existential. We have high confidence in the evidence conceptualising social loneliness and moderate confidence in the evidence on emotional and existential loneliness. Our findings provide a more nuanced understanding of these diverse conceptualisations to inform more effective decision-making and intervention development to address the negative wellbeing impacts of loneliness.
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Rabiee P, Mann R, Birks Y, Wilberforce M. The experience of loneliness and living with sight loss in English care homes. J Aging Stud 2021; 57:100913. [PMID: 34082991 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaging.2021.100913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Loneliness is a serious societal concern, especially the loss of social connections in later life. Those with sight loss living in care homes are thought to face particular challenges in social engagement, but research is scarce. This study aimed to examine the experience of loneliness amongst residents with sight loss; the different dimensions of loneliness; and their attitudes about the role of care homes in addressing these needs. Through in-depth interviews with 18 residents, supplemented by interviews with family members and care home managers, the research identified that residents were generally satisfied with their social situation. However, there was evidence that sight loss was not appropriately accommodated within the care home. In their efforts to enable all residents to engage in social activities, attempts to include those with sight loss could feel contrived, and residents with sight loss did not feel meaningfully involved. Residents described barriers to forming close associations, including the challenges of background noise in communal spaces and a sense that conversation in the care home lacked stimulation. Residents felt that opportunities to forge and maintain bonds with people outside the care home were limited. The research concludes that care homes should avoid inclusion-for-inclusion's sake, and future research could study the effectiveness of interventions to improve care home links to the wider community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parvaneh Rabiee
- Social Policy Research Unit, Department of Social Policy & Social Work, Alcuin College (B Block), University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - Rachel Mann
- Social Policy Research Unit, Department of Social Policy & Social Work, Alcuin College (B Block), University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - Yvonne Birks
- Social Policy Research Unit, Department of Social Policy & Social Work, Alcuin College (B Block), University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - Mark Wilberforce
- Social Policy Research Unit, Department of Social Policy & Social Work, Alcuin College (B Block), University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK.
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Devís-Devís J, Serrano-Durá J, Molina P. "The Referee Plays to Be Insulted!": An Exploratory Qualitative Study on the Spanish Football Referees' Experiences of Aggression, Violence, and Coping. Front Psychol 2021; 12:656437. [PMID: 33995216 PMCID: PMC8113635 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.656437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Referees are essential participants in the sport of football. They are responsible for enforcing the rules and achieving the necessary impartiality for the matches. Referees are often target of hostile reactions from fans, players, and coaches. However, few studies have focused on these experiences and the strategies they use to manage them. In order to fill this gap, a qualitative interview-based study was developed to explore the experiences of a group of football referees (four males and four females) on aggression, violence, and coping. A thematic analysis was developed combining inductive and deductive processes. Results indicated that the most frequent aggressions experienced were verbal abuse. Most of the aggressions from spectators were of a sexist nature. When aggressions were considered normal by referees, symbolic violence emerged. Racist aggressions were directed to the two Moroccan participants. Problem and emotional-focused coping strategies were identified. The two most common referee responses to coaches’ and players’ verbal abuse were penalties and send-off calls. Smiling and not considering insults as a personal matter were two emotional-focused coping strategies used toward spectator aggressions. Implications for the referees’ job and well-being as well as the quality of football competitions were highlighted to reduce aggressions and violence and to help referees to cope with hostile behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Devís-Devís
- Departament d'Educació Física i Esportiva, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - José Serrano-Durá
- Departament d'Educació Física i Esportiva, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Pere Molina
- Departament d'Educació Física i Esportiva, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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de Koning J, Richards SH, Wood GER, Stathi A. Profiles of Loneliness and Social Isolation in Physically Active and Inactive Older Adults in Rural England. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:3971. [PMID: 33918808 PMCID: PMC8070246 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18083971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher risk of morbidity and mortality and physical inactivity in older age. This study explored the socioecological context in which both physically active and inactive older adults experience loneliness and/or social isolation in a UK rural setting. Design: A mixed-methods design employed semi structured interviews and accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Interviews explored the personal, social and environmental factors influencing engagement with physical activities, guided by an adapted-socioecological model of physical activity behaviour. Findings: Twenty-four older adults (Mean Age = 73 (5.8 SD); 12 women) were interviewed. Transcripts were thematically analysed and seven profiles of physical activity, social isolation and loneliness were identified. The high-MVPA group had established PA habits, reported several sources of social contact and evaluated their physical environment as activity friendly. The low MVPA group had diverse experiences of past engagement in social activities. Similar to the high MVPA, they reported a range of sources of social contact but they did not perceive the physical environment as activity friendly. Conclusions: Loneliness and/or social isolation was reported by both physically active and inactive older adults. There is wide diversity and complexity in types and intensity of PA, loneliness and social isolation profiles and personal, social and environmental contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Suzanne H Richards
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9NL, UK;
| | - Grace E R Wood
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
| | - Afroditi Stathi
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
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12
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Power JEM, Sjöberg L, Kee F, Kenny RA, Lawlor B. Comparisons of the discrepancy between loneliness and social isolation across Ireland and Sweden: findings from TILDA and SNAC-K. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2019; 54:1079-1088. [PMID: 30863870 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-019-01679-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Loneliness may have different cultural meanings in different countries. This may manifest as differing levels of Social Asymmetry-the discrepancy between loneliness and social isolation. Since loneliness is thought to be low in Sweden relative to more southerly countries, we hypothesised that more number of individuals would also fall into the "discordant robust" category of Social Asymmetry, i.e. that more individuals in Sweden would have lower loneliness levels relative to social isolation than in Ireland. We also explored the clinical relevance of Social Asymmetry in both countries, by examining its association with cognitive functioning. METHODS We derived Social Asymmetry metrics in two representative cohort studies: the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) and the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (SNAC-K). Data pertaining to a dementia-free sample of 4565 Irish participants and 3042 Swedish participants, all aged over 60 years, were analysed using a multilevel modelling approach, with country as a higher-order variable. RESULTS Contrary to the expected, more individuals in Ireland were "discordant robust" than in Sweden. We also found evidence for superior performance in global cognitive functioning among those in the "discordant robust" category relative to those in the discordant susceptible (i.e. those with higher levels of loneliness than social isolation) category, β = 0.61, p < .001, across both countries. CONCLUSIONS Irish older adults may be more robust to the impact of social isolation on loneliness than those in the Swedish cohort. Social Asymmetry was related to cognitive functioning in both countries, suggesting that Social Asymmetry is a clinically relevant construct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna E McHugh Power
- School of Business, National College of Ireland, IFSC, Mayor Street, Dublin 1, Ireland. .,UK CRC Centre of Excellence for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Grosvenor Road, Belfast, BT12 6BJ, UK.
| | - Linnea Sjöberg
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Frank Kee
- UK CRC Centre of Excellence for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Grosvenor Road, Belfast, BT12 6BJ, UK
| | - Rose Ann Kenny
- School of Medical Gerontology and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Brian Lawlor
- School of Medical Gerontology and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
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Barbosa Neves B, Sanders A, Kokanović R. “It's the worst bloody feeling in the world”: Experiences of loneliness and social isolation among older people living in care homes. J Aging Stud 2019; 49:74-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaging.2019.100785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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