COGNITIVELY ENGAGING SOLITARY ACTIVITIES: ANOTHER LAYER OF PROTECTION AGAINST LONELINESS

Abstract

Abstract Participating in social activities and sustaining more extensive networks are beneficial in mitigating loneliness in the aging population. However, these coping strategies are subject to multiple structural and individual constraints, including neighborhood stressors, physical limitations, and social-economic strain. The present research scrutinizes cognitively engaging solitary activities as a potential alternative to alleviate loneliness. It examines their intersections with social activities and networks and how disadvantaged groups prone to loneliness can benefit from them. We use Wave 4 and 6 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe to perform linear and logistic regressions. Results show that 78% of older Europeans perform solitary activities such as reading and playing word/number games at least weekly, a much higher rate than the 29% engaged in formal social activity. Social and personal activities do not compete but instead complement each other. Older individuals performing solitary activities report significantly lower loneliness, and this engagement compensates for low social participation and small social networks. Routine solitary activities are also protective among individuals at older ages and among those lacking a partner, additional housemates, and children. Overall, the present research highlights that solitary activities, particularly the cognitively engaging ones, are a practical layer of protection against loneliness. Future research should further examine variations in the effectiveness between solitary activities and explore the possibilities and challenges in bridging them with digital media and technologies to alleviate loneliness.