THE ROLE OF SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHICS IN PREDICTING LONELINESS AMONG SENIOR CITIZENS

Abstract

Objective: Given that the global population aging at an accelerated rate. Similarly, loneliness is becoming more common among the elderly. Many research has been done on the prevalence of loneliness among elderly people and found that elderly people have more loneliness due to their transition in physical, psychological and social roles. The present study aims to investigate the role of sociodemographic factors on predicting loneliness among Senior Citizen. Method: Two groups of survey among 300 elderly people (150 living with family and 150 living in old age home) completed De Jong GierVeld Loneliness Scale along with the socio demographic details. Regression analysis was used to analyse the influence of sociodemographic factors on Loneliness. T-test and ANOVA were performed to investigate the difference in emotional loneliness and social loneliness with respect to sociodemographic factors. Results: The results indicates that elderly women, widow, private working, financially dependent, solitary hobbies and occasional visit of children have high loneliness. Conclusion: The findings indicate that older people are at risk for loneliness. Changes in lifestyle and social support from family and friends can combat loneliness.