Tessa Morgan1, Janine Wiles2, Tess Moeke-Maxwell1, Stella Black1, Hong-Jae Park3, Ofa Dewes1, Lisa Ann Williams1, Merryn Gott1. 1. School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. 2. School of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. 3. School of Social Sciences and Psychology, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia.
Abstract
Objectives: Social isolation and loneliness among older people are known to have negative effects on health and wellbeing. Few studies, however, have enabled older people to define these concepts in their own terms. This paper based on research in Aotearoa, New Zealand is the first to comparatively outline the meanings of loneliness and social isolation from the perspective of four ethnically diverse groups of older adults (Māori, Pacific, Asian, and NZ European).Method: We interviewed 44 older people and conducted three focus groups with 32 older people. We used thematic and narrative analyses. Results: Loneliness and social isolation were conceptualized as interconnected concepts described as a 'look and feel', a 'state of mind' and as a 'lack of desired companionship'. Participants conveyed sophisticated understandings of the structural underpinnings of both loneliness and social isolation as multi-dimensional, complex, and situated.Conclusions: Older people describe complex and culturally- nuanced understanding and experience of social isolation and loneliness. More culturally appropriate services, greater mental-health support and more service provision on weekends and evenings are needed.
Objectives: Social isolation and loneliness among older people are known to have negative effects on health and wellbeing. Few studies, however, have enabled older people to define these concepts in their own terms. This paper based on research in Aotearoa, New Zealand is the first to comparatively outline the meanings of loneliness and social isolation from the perspective of four ethnically diverse groups of older adults (Māori, Pacific, Asian, and NZ European).Method: We interviewed 44 older people and conducted three focus groups with 32 older people. We used thematic and narrative analyses. Results: Loneliness and social isolation were conceptualized as interconnected concepts described as a 'look and feel', a 'state of mind' and as a 'lack of desired companionship'. Participants conveyed sophisticated understandings of the structural underpinnings of both loneliness and social isolation as multi-dimensional, complex, and situated.Conclusions: Older people describe complex and culturally- nuanced understanding and experience of social isolation and loneliness. More culturally appropriate services, greater mental-health support and more service provision on weekends and evenings are needed.
Entities:
Keywords:
Loneliness; experience; multicultural; older adults; social isolation; understanding
Authors: Louise Mansfield; Christina Victor; Catherine Meads; Norma Daykin; Alan Tomlinson; Jack Lane; Karen Gray; Alex Golding Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-11-02 Impact factor: 3.390