FEELINGS OF LONELINESS IN AN URBANIZED COUNTRY: DOES PLACE AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT MATTER?

Abstract

This paper explores the relationships between environmental features, civic engagement and feelings of loneliness. It raises the question of how neighborhoods and municipalities promote or hinder feelings of loneliness. Data for the research are derived from the Belgian Ageing Studies, a structured survey among community-dwelling older people (n= 28 094, in 83 municipalities. We conducted multivariate regression models which included environmental factors (degree of urbanization, neighborhood connectedness and satisfaction, quantity and quality of contact with neighbors) and civic engagement (personal leisure, civic participation, informal help, community leisure, and volunteer work) on feelings of loneliness (social and emotional loneliness). The results indicate that feeling connected to the neighborhood, having qualitative contact with neighbors, and doing volunteer work or particicipate in an association lowers feelings of social loneliness. The conclusion raises practical implications and formulates a number of policy recommendations to tackle feelings of loneliness in an aging society.