De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale Research Articles

Prevalence and Determinants of Loneliness among Older Adults in Bangladesh

Background: The prevalence of loneliness confirms its commonness among older adults which leads to further functional declination, of physical and mental health along with disability and the last result is to be death. Thus, this study was undertaken with a view to examining the potential risk factors for loneliness in aging population in Bangladesh which is responsible for its prevalence. Methods: Data gathered for this cross-sectional study from 517 older adults’ older adults in Meherpur district, Bangladesh. The level of loneliness was assessed using short version (6-items) of De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale and the depression was measure with the help of 15-items geriatric depression scale (GDS). Chi-square test was run to find out the possible associated factors for loneliness and multivariate multinomial logistic regression model was performed to predict the significant risk factors. Results: The overall prevalence of loneliness found 54.3% whereas 41% felt ‘sometimes’ and 13.3% had feeling of ‘always’ loneliness. In bivariate model, except place of residence, all other selected characteristics were significantly associated with increasing of loneliness. In adjusted analysis, gender, marital status, living status, hearing-visual impairment, depression, concern about falling were found as the statistically significantly risk factors for causing of different degrees of loneliness. Conclusion: Study connotes the prevalence of loneliness among aged people of Bangladesh and their associated risk factors. Results of this study would be assistive to reduce the prevalence of loneliness and helpful for geriatric policy implications.

Correlates of loneliness in older adults in Shanghai, China: does age matter?

BackgroundLoneliness is a public health concern with serious health consequences in older adults. Despite a large body of research on the correlates of loneliness, little is known about the age group differences in the correlates. Given that the older adult population is heterogeneous, this study aims to examine the correlates of loneliness in older adults in Shanghai, and to explore how the correlates vary across different age groups.MethodsWe used the Shanghai Urban Neighborhood Survey (SUNS) which was conducted in 2016 and 2017. The total sample size of older adults included in the analysis was 2770. Loneliness was measured using the sum of the 6 items derived from the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Correlates include demographic variables, health conditions, social factors, and new media use. Regression analysis was used to examine the correlates of loneliness first in the whole sample, and then in the young old (60–79 years old) and the old old (80+ years old) separately.ResultsThe mean of loneliness score was 18.48 (SD = 5.77). The old old reported a higher level of loneliness than the young old. Variables, including age, living arrangement, marital status, education, health, family functioning, volunteering, square dancing, and new media use were found to be significant in the whole sample. Most of the significant correlates observed in the young old were identical to the findings reported for the total sample, with an exception for living arrangement. Self-rated health (SRH) and family functioning were two important correlates for the old old.ConclusionsCorrelates of loneliness vary for the young old and the old old. The older adults at higher risk of loneliness deserve more attention and concern. Future interventions should be tailored to the young old and the old old to better help older adults alleviate loneliness and enhance their well-being.

Quality not quantity: loneliness subtypes, psychological trauma, and mental health in the US adult population.

Loneliness is a recognised public-health concern that is traditionally regarded as a unidimensional construct. Theories of loneliness predict the existence of subtypes of loneliness. In this study, latent class analysis (LCA) was used to test for the presence of loneliness subtypes and to examine their association with multiple mental health variables. A nationally representative sample of US adults (N = 1839) completed the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, along with self-report measures of childhood and adulthood trauma, psychological wellbeing, major depression, and generalized anxiety. When treated as a unidimensional construct, 17.1% of US adults aged 18-70 were classified as lonely. However, the LCA results identified four loneliness classes which varied quantitatively and qualitatively: 'low' (52.8%), 'social' (8.2%), 'emotional' (26.6%), and 'social and emotional' (12.4%) loneliness. The 'social and emotional' class were characterised by the highest levels of psychological distress, followed by the 'emotional' class. The 'social' loneliness class had similar mental health scores as the 'low' loneliness class. Childhood and adulthood trauma were independently related to the most distressed loneliness classes. Current findings provide support for the presence of subtypes of loneliness and show that they have unique associations with mental health status. Recognition of these subtypes of loneliness revealed that the number of US adults aged 18-70 experiencing loneliness was twice as high as what was estimated when loneliness was conceptualized as a unidimensional construct. The perceived quality, not the quantity, of interpersonal connections was associated with poor mental health.

Perceived loneliness among home-dwelling older adults with and without memory disorder: A population-based study

The aim of this population-based cross-sectional study was to describe and compare the prevalence and features of perceived loneliness among home-dwelling older adults with ( n = 129) and without ( n = 244) memory disorder. The latter group was randomly resampled from 789 respondents stratified by age to obtain a standardized control group. Loneliness was assessed using the six-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, and perceived stress using Cohen, Kamarck and Mermelstein’s 10-item Perceived Stress Scale. Results show that severe loneliness was common among the home-dwelling older adults, especially those with memory disorder, who also perceived stress more frequently than those without memory disorder. Both groups, but again more frequently those with memory disorder, were more likely to be emotionally than socially lonely. Thus, when planning social and healthcare services and interventions to mitigate loneliness among older adults living at home, memory problems and emotional loneliness require particular consideration.

Poczucie samotności jako czynnik warunkujący jakość życia osób powyżej 65. roku życia

Introduction. Loneliness is a universal phenomenon; timeless, supra-cultural, ahistorical, present in the life of every human being and it has become one of the signs of present times. According to the theory of withdrawals, the elderlies slowly retreat from social life and social roles hitherto performed, making themselves vulnerable to loneliness and isolation. Aim. Assessment of loneliness and selected determinants concerning loneliness and the evaluation of the relationship between a sense of loneliness and the quality of life among people over 65 years of age. Material and methods. The study was conducted in a group of 100 people over 65 years of age living in the Lublin province. The questionnaire consisted of two standardized research tools: De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale and instruments assessing quality of life WHOQOL-AGE. Results. The average result on the loneliness scale in the study group of people over 65 was 27.62 points out of 55 possible to obtain. The sociodemographic variables determining the level of loneliness in the study group were: age, marital status and the number of people living in the household (p < 0.05). The average value of the quality of life of the respondents was 64.45 points. (SD = 13.47). Statistical analysis of the relationship between quality of life and sense of loneliness showed significant strong negative correlations at the level of p < 0.001. Conclusions. The sense of loneliness is a strong determinant of the quality of life assessment in people over 65.

Gender Differences in Social Support, Loneliness, and Isolation among Old Age Citizens


 
 
 The present paper attempted to explore the impact of gender on social support, social isolation and loneliness (social and emotional) among senior citizens. In order to assess the study constructs 6-Item (short) De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (1985), 6-item (short) scale developed by Hawthorne (2006) and, Social Support Scale developed by Malik (2002) were used. Standardized back translation procedure was used for the translation of the measures into Urdu. Purposive convenient sampling technique was used to draw the sample of 500 senior citizens from both urban and rural areas of the various districts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The age of the participants ranged between 60 to 90 years (M = 67.59, SD= 7.54). -test analysis revealed significant gender differences on social support and its sub constructs. Moreover results demonstrated non-significant gender differences for isolation and loneliness.
 
 

The preliminary effects of laughter therapy on loneliness and death anxiety among older adults living in nursing homes: A nonrandomised pilot study.

This study evaluated the preliminary effect of laughter therapy on the level of loneliness and death anxiety of older adults. This was a quasi-experimental study with a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design. The study participants were older adults living in two nursing homes set up by foundations located in the capital of Turkey. A total of 50 older adults formed the intervention group (n=20) and control group (n=30). The intervention group received laughter therapy twice a week for 5weeks. The control group received no intervention. Data were collected using a socio-demographic form, the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS) and the Turkish Death Anxiety Scale (TDAS). After laughter therapy, the DJGLS total and subscale (emotional and social loneliness) scores decreased among older adults in the intervention group (p<0.005). While there were no significant differences for overall TDAS, death uncertainty and pain subscales scores between the intervention and control group after laughter therapy, there was a significant decrease in TDAS exposure subscale scores of the intervention group (p<0.005). The results suggest that laughter therapy can be used to decrease levels of loneliness and death anxiety among older adults living in nursing homes. Anxiety regarding death and loneliness are important issues that affect quality of life in older adults. This first pilot study demonstrates the beneficial effects of laughter therapy on loneliness and death anxiety in nursing home residents. Nurses can incorporate laughter therapy into routine programmes in nursing homes.

Failed transition to independence in young adults with epilepsy: The role of loneliness

PurposeMany young adults with epilepsy are still living with their parents (‘failed transition to independence’) despite reaching the adult age. This study evaluated patient-related variables and measures of loneliness correlated to ‘failed transition to independence’ in adults, 25–30 years of age, with (childhood-onset) epilepsy. MethodsPatients with (childhood-onset) epilepsy and 25–30 years of age were recruited from Epilepsy Center Kempenhaeghe. Inclusion criteria were: diagnosis of (childhood-onset) epilepsy, and an (estimated) IQ > 70. Patients were sent one questionnaire and informed consent was obtained from all participants. Questions included the patient’s level of functioning and satisfaction on three transitional domains (medical status, educational/vocational status, independence/separation from their parents), satisfaction with their friendships, and the validated De Jong-Gierveld Loneliness Scale. ‘Transition to independence’ was defined and categorized in a continuum with scores ranging from 0 (‘Failed transition’) to 4 for all patients. A Bivariate Correlation analysis was used to compute correlations between patient characteristics and failed transition to independence. Results59 patients were included in the analysis, of which 19 (32.2%) had a failed transition to independence. A statistically significant correlation was found between transition to independence and the social loneliness scale (p = 0.047) and the total loneliness scale (p = 0.04), and for the patients self-reported satisfaction with their independence/separation from parents (p = 0.01) and friendships (p = 0.04). ConclusionsAdults with epilepsy with a failed transition to independence experience loneliness and are not satisfied with their current developmental and social situation.

De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale - Short Version: Validation for the Brazilian Context

Abstract Individuals who experience a state of loneliness may feel that their needs of belonging are unfulfilled, suffering a state of social deprivation that might affect their well-being. For a better understanding, three studies (N = 939) aimed to adapt the short version of the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale to Brazil. In Studies 1 and 2, exploratory and confirmatory analyses corroborated the expected two correlated factors structure: emotional and social. Evidences of convergent validity and factorial invariance between genders were also observed. Study 3 verified the instrument’s psychometric properties through Item Response Theory (IRT) and the results showed that the items presented acceptable levels of difficulty, discriminated participants with similar levels of aptitude/endorsement and indicated that both factors of the measure presented substantial information for a wide range of the latent trait. We conclude that this measure is psychometrically suitable for use in Brazil.

The association of falls with loneliness and social exclusion: evidence from the DEAS German Ageing Survey

BackgroundIt remains an open question whether falls are related with social relations, covering subjective (e.g., perceived loneliness) and more objective dimensions (e.g., number of important individuals in regular contact). Consequently, we aimed at examining the association between falls and social ties comprehensively, including loneliness, social exclusion and the number of important people in regular contact.MethodsCross-sectional data were used from a population-based sample of community-dwelling individuals aged 40 and over (n = 7808) in Germany. Self-rated loneliness was quantified using a short version of the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Perceived social exclusion was measured using a scale developed by Bude and Lantermann. Furthermore and in contrast to the subjective outcome measures, the more objective number of important people in regular contact was also used as outcome variable. The experience of a fall in the preceding 12 months (yes; no) was assessed.ResultsControlling for various possible confounding variables, linear regressions showed that experiencing a fall in the past 12 months was associated with higher social exclusion (β = .08, p < .001), and increased loneliness (β = .08, p < .001), whereas it was not associated with the number of important people in regular contact.ConclusionsFindings stress the relation between falls and feelings of loneliness and social exclusion, whereas falls were unrelated to the more objective measure of number of important people in regular contact, suggesting that falls are particularly related to subjective measures of social ties and relations. This underlines the importance of interventions to prevent falls. Preventing falls in turn might help to prevent loneliness and social exclusion.

ART FOR AGES: THE BENEFITS OF MUSICAL EXPERIENCE ON THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING IN NURSING HOMES

Listening to music has been shown to play a significant role in many older adults’ lives and the health benefits of making music for elders have also been demonstrated in recent studies. However, the field remains under-researched. This communication reports a not randomized clinical trial conducted in four Swiss nursing homes (NH). Residents aged of 65 years old and more, willing to take part in music activities, participated to 10 music sessions: one group focused on singing (n=40) and the other on rhythm (n=40). Participants involved in other not-music activities of the NH acted as controls (n=40). The music sessions were held – with live singing and playing simple instruments but also sticks, cups or graters – by the master's students and musicians of the Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana/University School of Music. They were well attended by the residents with minimum drop out. A music questionnaire together with measurements of quality of life (SF12), depression (GDS scale) and loneliness (De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale) scales were administered at baseline and after the last session. Before and after one music session, saliva samples were collected to measure levels of stress hormones. Psychological data are compared using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) across time and between groups, biological data are analyzed using saliva multiplex assays. Data show an increase in the importance conferred to music by residents taking part in music activities and an improvement in their perceived health status and in some dimensions of quality of life and well-being.

How do risk factors affect bereavement outcomes in later life? An exploration of the mediating role of dual process coping

This study is an exploratory study that aims to examine the mediating role of dual process coping in the relationship between risk factors and bereavement outcomes. A total of 178 Hong Kong Chinese bereaved older adults reported their bereavement-related information, dual process coping (Dual Coping Inventory, DCI), complicated grief (Inventory of Complicated Grief; ICG), depression (Geriatric Depression Scale, GDS) and loneliness (De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, DJG) in face-to-face structured interviews. Results suggested that subjective traumatic death predicted complicated grief, depression, and loneliness via loss-orientated (LO) coping, whereas having lost a spouse rather than having lost a parent predicted loneliness via restoration-orientated (RO) coping. Future interventions may reconsider the use of LO coping and explore alternatives for traumatized bereaved older adults, and encourage RO coping for those experiencing spousal loss.

Validity of the de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale in Spanish older population: competitive structural models and item response theory.

Loneliness is a subjective measure of one's state of mind and the negative feelings about one's level of social contact, which usually involves an unwanted discrepancy between existing and desired relationships. It is measured through self-reported questionnaires, among which a widely used one is the de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS). Although it has been previously tested and proven to be a reliable tool for measuring loneliness of Spanish older people, some relevant research questions remain unsolved. Therefore, this article aims to present a validity study of the Spanish version of the DJGLS for its use with older people, by establishing its factorial validity; studying the adequateness of a Rasch model underlying participants' responses; offering evidence of its reliability; and testing for convergent and discriminant validity. Data were obtained in a survey conducted with older adults attending Lifelong Learning programs in Valencia (Spain). The sample consisted of 335 people aged 55years or older. Sociodemographic data were collected, and loneliness was measured with the DJGLS and the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Results have supported a unidimensional substantive structure, but with minor method effects associated with negatively worded items. In terms of multidimensional IRT analysis, the 2 Parameters Logistic Model fitted the data well and offered better information functions than the Rasch model. Reliability and criterion-related validity estimates were adequate.

A preventative lifestyle intervention for older adults (lifestyle matters): a randomised controlled trial.

Objectivesto test whether an occupation-based lifestyle intervention can sustain and improve the mental well-being of adults aged 65 years or over compared to usual care, using an individually randomised controlled trial.Participants288 independently living adults aged 65 years or over, with normal cognition, were recruited from two UK sites between December 2011 and November 2015.Interventionslifestyle Matters is a National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommended multi-component preventive intervention designed to improve the mental well-being of community living older people at risk of decline. It involves weekly group sessions over 4 months and one to one sessions.Main outcome measuresthe primary outcome was mental well-being at 6 months (mental health (MH) dimension of the SF-36). Secondary outcomes included physical health dimensions of the SF-36, extent of depression (PHQ-9), quality of life (EQ-5D) and loneliness (de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale), assessed at 6 and 24 months.Resultsdata on 262 (intervention = 136; usual care = 126) participants were analysed using intention to treat analysis. Mean SF-36 MH scores at 6 months differed by 2.3 points (95 CI: −1.3 to 5.9; P = 0.209) after adjustments.Conclusionsanalysis shows little evidence of clinical or cost-effectiveness in the recruited population with analysis of the primary outcome revealing that the study participants were mentally well at baseline. The results pose questions regarding how preventive interventions to promote well-being in older adults can be effectively targeted in the absence of proactive mechanisms to identify those who at risk of decline.Trial RegistrationISRCTN67209155.

Using the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale With Early Adolescents: Factor Structure, Reliability, Stability, and External Validity.

The present investigation is the first examination of the factor structures, reliability, external validity, longitudinal invariance, and stability of the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS), as used with early adolescents. It is based on a two-wave, large, representative sample of Polish primary school pupils. The results demonstrate that the model most reflective of the factor structure of the DJGLS is the bifactor model, which assumes the occurrence of one, highly reliable, general factor (overall sense of loneliness) and two, relatively irrelevant, subfactors. Essential unidimensionality (the general factor accounting for three fourth of the common variance) suggest that the interpretation of the subfactors over and above the general factor is inappropriate. The longitudinal confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the bifactor structure of the DJGLS is invariant over time. Correlations with self-rated loneliness, sociometric acceptance/rejection, social self-efficacy, identification with class group, family structure, and gender provide support for the validity of the DJGLS. This implies that it could be used as a measure of loneliness in adolescence, which does not involve references to the school context, making it possible to conduct studies that go beyond school period and compare the intensity of the feeling of loneliness in that group with other age groups.

How effective are volunteers at supporting people in their last year of life? A pragmatic randomised wait-list trial in palliative care (ELSA).

BackgroundClinical care alone at the end of life is unlikely to meet all needs. Volunteers are a key resource, acceptable to patients, but there is no evidence on care outcomes. This study aimed to determine whether support from a social action volunteer service is better than usual care at improving quality of life for adults in the last year of life.MethodsA pragmatic, multi-centre wait-list controlled trial, with participants randomly allocated to receive the volunteer support intervention either immediately or after a 4 week wait. Trained volunteers provided tailored face-to-face support including befriending, practical support and signposting to services, primarily provided within the home, typically for 2–3 hours per week. The primary outcome was rate of change of quality of life at 4 weeks (WHO QOL BREF, a general, culturally sensitive measure). Secondary outcomes included rate of change of quality of life at 8 weeks and Loneliness (De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale), social support (mMOS-SS), and reported use of health and social care services at 4 and 8 weeks.ResultsIn total, 196 adults (61% (n = 109) female; mean age 72 years) were included in the study. No significant difference was found in main or secondary outcomes at 4 weeks. Rate of change of quality of life showed trends in favour of the intervention (physical quality of life domain: b = 3.98, CI, –0.38 to 8.34; psychological domain: b = 2.59, CI, –2.24 to 7.43; environmental domain: b = 3, CI, –4.13 to 4.91). Adjusted analyses to control for hours of volunteer input found significantly less decrease in physical quality of life in the intervention group (slope (b) 4.43, CI, 0.10 to 8.76). While the intervention also favoured the rate of change of emotional (b = –0.08; CI, –0.52 to 0.35) and social loneliness (b = –0.20; CI, –0.58 to 0.18), social support (b = 0.13; CI, –0.13 to 0.39), and reported use of health and social care professionals (b = 0.16; CI, –0.22 to 0.55), these were not statistically significant. No adverse events were reported.ConclusionsClinicians can confidently refer to volunteer services at the end of life. Future research should focus on ‘dose’ to maximise likely impact.Trial registrationThe trial was prospectively registered. ISRCTN Registry: ISRCTN12929812, registered 20 May 2015.

The intensity and correlates of the feelings of loneliness in people with psychosis

ObjectiveLoneliness is an established risk factor for numerous negative health outcomes. The aims of the present study were to compare the levels of loneliness between patients with psychotic disorders and members of the general population and to identify factors independently associated with loneliness in psychosis. MethodsA total of 207 patients with psychotic disorders recruited between February 2013 and February 2015 from inpatient and day wards and an outpatient clinic of the Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology (IPN) in Warsaw (Poland) were included in this cross-sectional study. They were administered the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS) and a set of instruments assessing three types of explanatory variables: socio-demographic, psychosocial and psychiatric (clinical). The comparison group was a random sample of 20,000 inhabitants of Poland who took part in the Generations and Gender Survey (GGS-PL) conducted in 2011. The two groups were matched for socio-demographic characteristics. ResultsThe patient sample proved to be significantly lonelier than the general population sample. The higher level of loneliness in people with psychotic disorders was most strongly related to psychosocial factors, particularly more severe internalized stigma and lesser social support, followed by worse interpersonal competence and smaller social network. After adjusting for socio-demographic and psychosocial variables, the only clinical variable significantly associated with more intense feelings of loneliness turned out to be the greater number of psychiatric inpatient admissions. The findings did not lend support to the view that socio-demographics play a major role in explaining variation in loneliness in psychosis. ConclusionsPeople with psychotic disorders are predisposed to experiencing elevated levels of loneliness. To counteract the pernicious effects of this on their health and well-being, there is a need for comprehensive therapeutic programs targeting self-stigma, enhancing social support networks and improving social skills.

Psychological well-being of older Chinese immigrants living in Australia: a comparison with older Caucasians.

Few current studies explore psychological well-being among older Chinese immigrants in Australia. The study addressed this gap and provided preliminary data on psychological well-being among this group. Four indicators, namely depression, anxiety, loneliness, and quality of life, were used to present a comprehensive picture of psychological well-being. Participants were two groups of community-dwelling older people, specifically 59 Chinese immigrants and 60 Australian-born people (median age=77 and 73, respectively). Data were collected through standardized interviews. The Geriatric Depression Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale and the WHO Quality of Life questionnaire were used to measure depression, anxiety, loneliness, and quality of life, respectively. Chinese participants' median quality of life score was higher than the scale mid-point, indicating relatively high levels of quality of life. However, 10% exhibited symptoms of depression, 6% had symptoms of anxiety, and 49% felt lonely. Compared to Australian participants, Chinese participants reported poorer quality of life and higher levels of loneliness. Importantly, the difference in quality of life remained when the impact of socio-demographic factors was controlled for. This study was the first to use multiple indicators to explore psychological well-being among older Chinese immigrants in Australia. Its results suggest that their psychological well-being might be worse than that of Australian-born people when using loneliness and quality of life as indicators. In particular, loneliness is a common psychological problem among this group, and there is a need for public awareness of this problem.

Relating Hearing Aid Use to Social and Emotional Loneliness in Older Adults.

Hearing loss is a risk factor for social isolation and loneliness. We investigated the buffering effects of hearing aid use on perceived social and emotional loneliness. Forty older adults participated. Prior to and following the hearing aid fitting, participants completed the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (De Jong Gierveld & Kamphuis, 1985); a change in feelings of loneliness following hearing aid use was the outcome indicator. There was a significant decline in perceptions of loneliness following 4 to 6 weeks of hearing aid use. A dose effect emerged with persons with moderate-to-severe hearing loss experiencing the greatest reduction in perceived loneliness with hearing aid use. Associated with poorer health status and higher consumption of health care services, perceived loneliness is a challenge to treat. Hearing aid use appears to be a buffer against the experience of loneliness.

Olfactory Dysfunction in Older Adults is Associated with Feelings of Depression and Loneliness.

Olfactory dysfunction is a common complaint among physician visits. Olfactory loss affects quality of life and impairs function and activities of daily living. The purpose of our study was to assess the degree of odor identification associated with mental health. Olfactory function was measured using the brief smell identification test. Depressive symptoms were measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale. Loneliness was assessed by the de Jong-Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Cognition was measured by a battery of 19 cognitive tests. The frequency of olfactory dysfunction in our study was ~40%. Older subjects had worse olfactory performance, as previously found. More loneliness was associated with worse odor identification. Similarly, symptoms of depression were associated with worse olfaction (among men). Although better global cognitive function was strongly associated with better odor identification, after controlling for multiple factors, the associations with depression and loneliness were unchanged. Clinicians should assess these mental health conditions when treating older patients who present with olfactory deficits.