Hyun-Jun Kim1, Karen I Fredriksen-Goldsen2. 1. University of Washington, School of Social Work, Seattle, Washington. hyunjkim@u.washington.edu. 2. University of Washington, School of Social Work, Seattle, Washington.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Loneliness is a key health risk for older adults. Utilizing the loneliness model, we examine the relationship between living arrangement and loneliness among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) older adults, taking into consideration potential correlates including social resources and personal constraints. DESIGN AND METHODS: We use data from a national survey of LGB adults aged 50 and older (N = 2,444). Types of living arrangement include living with a partner or spouse, living alone, and living with someone other than a partner or spouse. RESULTS: Compared with LGB older adults living with a partner or spouse, both those living alone and living with others reported higher degrees of loneliness, even after controlling for other correlates. The results of a multivariate regression analysis reveal that social support, social network size, and internalized stigma partially account for the relationship between living arrangement and loneliness. IMPLICATIONS: Living arrangement was found to be an independent correlate of loneliness among LGB older adults. Targeted interventions are needed to reduce loneliness for those living alone and those living with someone other than a partner or spouse in part by enhancing social resources and reducing risks of internalized stigma. Eliminating discriminatory policies against same-sex partnerships and partnered living arrangements is recommended.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Loneliness is a key health risk for older adults. Utilizing the loneliness model, we examine the relationship between living arrangement and loneliness among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) older adults, taking into consideration potential correlates including social resources and personal constraints. DESIGN AND METHODS: We use data from a national survey of LGB adults aged 50 and older (N = 2,444). Types of living arrangement include living with a partner or spouse, living alone, and living with someone other than a partner or spouse. RESULTS: Compared with LGB older adults living with a partner or spouse, both those living alone and living with others reported higher degrees of loneliness, even after controlling for other correlates. The results of a multivariate regression analysis reveal that social support, social network size, and internalized stigma partially account for the relationship between living arrangement and loneliness. IMPLICATIONS: Living arrangement was found to be an independent correlate of loneliness among LGB older adults. Targeted interventions are needed to reduce loneliness for those living alone and those living with someone other than a partner or spouse in part by enhancing social resources and reducing risks of internalized stigma. Eliminating discriminatory policies against same-sex partnerships and partnered living arrangements is recommended.
Authors: Steven P Meanley; Ron D Stall; Mary E Hawk; Pamela J Surkan; Steven J Shoptaw; Derrick D Matthews; Linda A Teplin; James E Egan; Michael W Plankey Journal: Aging Ment Health Date: 2019-04-02 Impact factor: 3.658
Authors: Jason D Flatt; Julene K Johnson; Stephen E Karpiak; Liz Seidel; Britta Larson; Mark Brennan-Ing Journal: J Alzheimers Dis Date: 2018 Impact factor: 4.472