Hamish A Jamieson1, Helen M Gibson1, Rebecca Abey-Nesbit2, Annabel Ahuriri-Driscoll3, Sally Keeling1, Philip J Schluter3,4. 1. Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand. 2. University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand. 3. School of Health Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. 4. School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To explore the patterns of living arrangements, ethnicity and loneliness amongst older adults (aged 65+ years) living at home. METHODS: National interRAI-HC (International Residential Assessment Instrument-Home Care) assessments conducted between 1 September 2012 and 31 January 2016 were analysed. Analysis focused on the associations between loneliness and both ethnic groups and living arrangements. RESULTS: There were 71 859 eligible participants, with average age 82.7 years, comprising Māori (5%), Pasifika (3%), Asian (2%) and European/Other (89%) ethnic identification. Most stated that they were not lonely (79%), but those living alone were more likely to be lonely (29%) than those living with others (14%) (P < 0.05). Amongst those living alone, significant differences in the likelihood of being lonely emerged between ethnic groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ethnic identification and living arrangements were significantly associated with the likelihood of loneliness for those having an interRAI-HC assessment. Efforts to reduce the negative impacts of loneliness need a nuanced approach.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the patterns of living arrangements, ethnicity and loneliness amongst older adults (aged 65+ years) living at home. METHODS: National interRAI-HC (International Residential Assessment Instrument-Home Care) assessments conducted between 1 September 2012 and 31 January 2016 were analysed. Analysis focused on the associations between loneliness and both ethnic groups and living arrangements. RESULTS: There were 71 859 eligible participants, with average age 82.7 years, comprising Māori (5%), Pasifika (3%), Asian (2%) and European/Other (89%) ethnic identification. Most stated that they were not lonely (79%), but those living alone were more likely to be lonely (29%) than those living with others (14%) (P < 0.05). Amongst those living alone, significant differences in the likelihood of being lonely emerged between ethnic groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ethnic identification and living arrangements were significantly associated with the likelihood of loneliness for those having an interRAI-HC assessment. Efforts to reduce the negative impacts of loneliness need a nuanced approach.
Authors: Ester Pei Xuan Lee; Ryan Eyn Kidd Man; Tau Liang Alfred Gan; Eva K Fenwick; Amudha Aravindhan; Kam Chun Ho; Sharon Cohan Sung; Tien Yin Wong; Cyrus Su Hui Ho; Preeti Gupta; Ecosse L Lamoureux Journal: Int J Geriatr Psychiatry Date: 2021-11-02 Impact factor: 3.850