Abstract
Nowadays, many older adults are living in one-person households. This is positive in guaranteeing autonomy, but negative for social isolation and loneliness. Central research question: which factors enable older adults
living alone to alleviate loneliness? Data come from the Generations and Gender Surveys. Women and men aged 60 years and over were selected from 5 countries. Results showed that more than 50% in each country is moderately or severely lonely. Support provided to (grand)children and the availability of confidants are important elements of an overall package of loneliness- alleviating interactions for older adults.
Keywords: older adults; family; intergenerational support; living alone; loneliness
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 129-139 |
Journal | Demografie: review for population research |
Volume | 53 |
Issue number | 2 |
Publication status | Published - 2011 |