Loneliness in older women: a review of the literature.
Older women report more loneliness than male peers. Loneliness is an area of concern related to the well being of older women because it is a cause of emotional distress and is linked to a variety of health problems in older individuals. Life changes, including widowhood and relocation, are associated with increased vulnerability to loneliness. Gender, social, and cultural factors influence the experience of loneliness in older women. Cognitive and interactionist theoretical approaches to loneliness have utility for nursing practice and research with older women who experience loneliness.
Beal
Claudia
C
The University of Texas at Austin, USA. threebeals@yahoo.com
D000367:Age Factors; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D033062:Friends / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008132:Loneliness / Q000523:psychology*; D008960:Models, Psychological; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011157:Population Dynamics; D011582:Psychological Theory; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012934:Social Isolation; D012944:Social Support; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017805:Widowhood / Q000523:psychology; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology*