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http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/10571
Title: | Is loneliness in later life a self-fulfilling prophecy? |
Authors: | Pikhartova, J Bowling, A Victor, C |
Keywords: | Age-stereotypes;ELSA;Expectation;Loneliness |
Issue Date: | 2015 |
Publisher: | Routledge |
Citation: | Aging and Mental Health, 2015 |
Abstract: | Objectives: There are many stereotypes about ageing and later life. We looked at the association between expectations and stereotyping of loneliness in old age and actual self-reported loneliness status 8 years later in English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). Method: Data from 4465 ELSA core members aged over 50 who responded to Waves 2 (2004) did not report loneliness in Wave 2, and responded to loneliness questions at least once between Waves 3 and 6 (2006–2012) were used in multivariable repeated measures logit regression analysis to estimate relationship between perceived stereotypes and expectation of loneliness in older age and actual loneliness reported within 8 years of follow-up. Results: Twenty-four per cent of respondents from the analytical sample agreed at Wave 2 that old age is time of loneliness and 33% expected to be lonely in old age. Loneliness was reported by 11.5% of respondents at Waves 3–6. Both stereotypes and expectation were significantly associated with later reported loneliness (OR 2.65 (95% CI 2.05–3.42) for stereotypes and 2.98 (95% CI 2.33–3.75) for expectations in age-sex adjusted analysis). Both variables significantly predicted future loneliness even when socio-demographic circumstances were taken into account and both variables were mutually adjusted although the effect was reduced (OR's 1.53 (95% CI 1.16–2.01) for stereotypes and 2.38 (95% CI 1.84–3.07) for expectations). Conclusions: Stereotypes and expectations related to loneliness in the old age were significantly associated with reported loneliness 8 years later. Interventions aimed at changing age-related stereotypes in population may have more impact on reducing loneliness than individually based services. |
URI: | http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/10571 |
DOI: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2015.1023767 |
ISSN: | 1360-7863 1364-6915 |
Appears in Collections: | Dept of Life Sciences Research Papers |
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