Prevalence of and risk factors for loneliness in rural older adults

Objective: The study investigated the prevalence of and risk factors (socio-economic, health and kinship ties) for loneliness in older adults in rural India. Methods: Data were collected from a random sample of 897 older adults in rural India. Loneliness was measured through a 3-item scale, and measures of kinship ties and health status were included. A hierarchical regression analysis was conducted. Results: The prevalence rate of loneliness was 48%. The kinship factors contributed more to loneliness than the socio-demographic and health variables. The subjective aspects of kinship ties (relationship strain, support, family cohesion) explained more variance in loneliness than the structural aspects (living arrangements, family size). Within the functional component of kinship ties, relationship strain contributed more to loneliness. Conclusion: Strategies to combat loneliness should include multidynamic interventions on strengthening family ties and promoting optimal health during old age.