Experiencing Loneliness by Seniors during the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Example of Poland and Slovakia

Abstract

Loneliness - a subjective, emotional state of feeling social isolation and being cut off from others. It comes and goes when life situation changes. In the case of chronic loneliness, it is experienced no matter what the circumstances. Loneliness functions in the temporal (time) dimension: it can be continuous, but it can also occur temporarily. The feeling of loneliness occurs in situations where the emotional bond is broken or in the case of isolation. The aim of this article is to address the problem of seniors' loneliness which is caused by the limitations of the Covid-19 pandemic. The participants of the study are seniors living in Poland and Slovakia. Research conducted in Poland, with two elderly women over 70, living in a small fishing village in the north of the country, shows that they experience unpleasant states of loneliness despite having adequate relationships with other people. As observations show, the increase in loneliness is caused by conditions that require the observance of precautionary measures related to the pandemic and restrictions on socializing and conducting classes in senior clubs. The above factors result in shallowing interpersonal interactions; weakening interpersonal relations; contribute to more superficial contacts mainly by telephone. Seniors who are in care at the Retirement Home and Nursing Home in Slovakia also admit to feeling lonely, though not directly. From the conversation, however, it can be concluded that this condition does not result directly from pandemic limitations, but rather from too little contact with loved ones. The presence of other residents and staff, contact with people, meals, activities and conversations significantly fill the time during the day. The study was aimed at checking the facts of loneliness faced by seniors living in Slovakia and Poland as well as providing information about their views on their situation. The aim of the study is also to indicate the direction that will be helpful in combating and preventing such a pejorative phenomenon as loneliness. The research was conducted in the form of an interview. In order for the quality of the interviews to be as high as possible, the respondents were selected from various backgrounds. In Poland, there were two single women, aged over 70, living in a tiny fishing village; in Slovakia they were clients of the Retirement Home and the Nursing Home in Rimavska Sobota. The authors of the texts on the situation in Poland and Slovakia would like to add that the respondents waited with interest for contact from the authors of the publication; were happy that they could speak; that there were people who were interested in their problems. The researchers tried to comprehensively present the analysis of the obtained data, situations and statements of the respondents and, using the bricollage technique, to interpret it in detail. The most important issues raised in the interviews were additionally summarized in the conclusions.