THE “EPIDEMIC” OF OLDER ADULT LONELINESS: PROBLEMS OF DIAGNOSTIC INTERVENTION AND CRITICAL SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
2024

The Epidemic of Older Adult Loneliness

publication

Author Information

Author(s): Katz Stephen

Primary Institution: Trent University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Hypothesis

How do loneliness and isolation affect older adults during the COVID epidemic?

Conclusion

Loneliness is a complex issue for older adults that requires more than just technical interventions to address.

Supporting Evidence

  • Loneliness affects physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being of older adults.
  • Public health measures during COVID intensified feelings of loneliness and isolation.
  • Technical interventions often fail to address the root causes of loneliness.

Takeaway

Loneliness is a big problem for older people, especially during COVID, and we need to think about better ways to help them feel connected.

Methodology

The presentation draws on data from senior health policy, loneliness surveys, national reports, and qualitative research.

Potential Biases

Interventions may overlook the broader social contexts of loneliness.

Limitations

The study may not fully address the structural and socio-material factors contributing to loneliness.

Participant Demographics

Older adults, both in residential and community settings.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.1970

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