2001/12/01 by Martin Pinquart, Silvia Sorensen, Silvia Sörensen · 2 citations
Psychology · Social Sciences · #Aging and Gerontology Research #Health disparities and outcomes #Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction
paper · doi:10.1207/s15324834basp2304_2
openalex publication_date 2001/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
A widely held stereotype associates old age with social isolation and loneliness. However, only 5% to 15% percent of older adults report frequent loneliness. In this study, we report a meta-analysis of the correlates of loneliness in late adulthood. A U-shaped association between age and loneliness is identified. Quality of social network is correlated more strongly with loneliness, compared to quantity; contacts with friends and neighbors show stronger associations with loneliness, compared to contacts with family members. Being a woman, having low socioeconomic status and low competence, and living in nursing homes were also associated with higher loneliness. Age differences in the association of social contacts and competence with loneliness are investigated as well.