Recent trends in Geriatrics and Gerontological Studies - State Level Conference

Combating Loneliness and Depression in Old Age

Debomita Sikdar, Lecturer, Department of Home Science, Calcutta University

Abstract In the present study an effort has been made to find out the different factors responsible for high level of loneliness and depression among the institutionalized aged. This is to find out strategies for combating loneliness and depression among elderly.

The sample consisted of 100 elderly persons between the age group of 60 to 90 years both from old age homes and the elderly living with family members in their own homes.

Results revealed that greater loneliness was associated with less friendship contacts, fewer close relationships, low marital status, lower life satisfaction, widowhood, poor income and poor physical health, retirement from work, death of a spouse or some sort of physical health. Retirement from work, death of a spouse or some sort of physical illness or defect may lead to depression in elderly.

Keywords Loneliness, Depression, Old Age, Institutionalized Aged, Non-Institutionalized Aged

Introduction

The development of modern science and technology has increased the lifespan of the individuals, on the one hand thus making ageing problems much more complicated. The joint family system, which avoided loneliness of the old persons and provided them ample security, is gradually breaking down. The emerging trends of nuclear families are keeping the elderly in a state of isolation. Thus, as society is advancing, old aged people are facing more medical, economic, social and psychological problems.

Today, the biggest problems of elderly include solitude, loneliness, isolation, depression, neglect and a sense of not being wanted. Rapid increase in the number of nuclear families, urbanization and the global nature of employment opportunities are facing a change in this implicit social contract. These changes are compelling the elderly to live alone or in old age homes.

Loneliness among the aged

Loneliness among the elderly has been associated with perceived social isolation, lack of integration into social network and role loss, it is also due to widowhood, retirement, loss of family members and friends, which involve the disruption of supportive relationships. Moreover, in advanced age physical and sensory functions decline which limit mobility and communication, which further add to loneliness. Loneliness in older people has been found to be associated with decreased income, having fewer friends, lower satisfaction with relationships etc. Elderly experience more loneliness due to the death of their spouse or their children might be in distant cities or on account of physical disabilities (Peplau et al, 1982). Weeks (1994) reviewed the concepts of loneliness with particular reference to old age and suggested that successful treatment of loneliness with particular reference to old age and suggested that successful treatment of loneliness in life reduces the risk of more serious complications, such as, feelings of worthlessness, decrease in social contacts, self-contacts and self-esteem and trust. Rokach (1996) proved that loneliness at any level can be reduced by acceptance and reflection, social interaction and increased activity.

Depression among the elderly

Depression is a common complaint of the aged and is caused by multiple factors, such as, biological, physical, psychological and social. Depression in old age often appears to be precipitated by the adverse changes in the life and circumstances of the elderly, such as, retirement from work, bereavement or the onset of some sort of serious physical illness or defect. Older people with simpler depressive reactions become slower in their thoughts, words and actions, unable to sleep, overly concerned about their physical condition and uncertain of themselves.

From the studies reviewed it is inferred that loneliness and depression is common among the elderly. Old age is characterized by insecurity, poor health, loneliness and depression, hopelessness along with failing physical and mental powers. Hence, this study has been attempted to find out the different factors responsible for high level of loneliness and depression among the institutionalized aged and to suggest ways for combating loneliness and depression among the elderly.

Objectives

The following objectives were:

To find out the different factors responsible for high level of loneliness among the institutionalized aged.

To find out the different factors responsible for high level of depression among the institutionalized aged.

To suggest ways of combating loneliness and depression among the elderly;

In the present study among all aspects of personality problem only loneliness and depression of elderly persons both living in “old age homes” and in “own homes” have been considered.