Social support and sense of loneliness in solitary older adults
Author(s)
Wang, Philips Fu Lee
Author(s)
Bai, X.
Yang, S.
Knapp, M.
Date Issued
2017
Publisher
Springer
Related Publication(s)
Emerging Technologies for Education (First International Symposium, SETE 2016) Revised Selected Papers
Start page
326
End page
330
Abstract
Older people are vulnerable to loneliness and isolation. Solitary seniors are more likely to suffer the feelings of loneliness with inadequate social networks. Based on a face-to-face questionnaire survey with 151 community-dwelling solitary seniors, the present study examined the associations between social support and the sense of loneliness among solitary older adults in Hong Kong. The results showed that poor mental health status, financial inadequacy and weak social support networks were significantly associated with the sense of loneliness of solitary older adults, with social support being the most prominent risk factor. Frequent contacts with siblings, relatives or friends were found to be important sources of social support to combat loneliness. Policy and service implications are discussed.
SFU Affiliated Publication
Yes
Availability at SFU Library
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