Levels of Loneliness among Elderly Indwelling-Community

Abstract

The lives of the elderly are constantly changing due to factors including retirement, loss of spouse, chronic illnesses that prevent them from being active, living alone, and a lack of social connection. As a result, loneliness can be a problem for the elderly. The study aimed to analyse the levels of loneliness among community-dwelling elderly people. The study employed a cross-sectional design. A total sampling technique was used to collect the sample. The inclusion criteria of the study included being at least 60 years old, willing to participate, free of dementia or schizophrenia, and without any physical restrictions. To assess respondents' levels of loneliness, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale was employed. There are 151 older people who participated in this study. According to the findings, just 72% of the elderly community's residents reported feeling lonely. The fact that the average age of the respondents was 68 years old and that the majority were female, employed, living with family, and actively participating in social activities is likely what contributed to the low level of loneliness. Living circumstances and family support have an impact on how lonely elderly people are. The family plays a significant role in providing care for the elderly in accordance with their developmental stages. Community nurses could activate elderly people in social activities and provide elderly schooling programs to prevent loneliness among older residents of the community.