title: Integrative review of older adult loneliness and social isolation in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To conduct an integrative review of empirical studies of loneliness for older people in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Loneliness is a risk factor for older people's poor physical and cognitive health, serious illness and mortality. A national survey showed loneliness rates vary by gender and ethnicity.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic search of health and social science databases was conducted. Of 21 scrutinised articles, nine were eligible for inclusion and subjected to independent quality appraisal. One qualitative and eight quantitative research articles were selected.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Reported levels and rates of loneliness vary across age cohorts. Loneliness was significantly related to social isolation, living alone, depression, suicidal ideation, being female, being Māori and having a visual impairment. Qualitatively, older Korean immigrants experienced loneliness and social isolation, along with language and cultural differences.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Amongst older New Zealanders loneliness is commonly experienced by particular ethnic groups, highlighting a priority for targetted health and social services.
authors.affiliation: AUT Centre for Active Ageing, School of Clinical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Valerie A
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7505-3946
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Wright-St Clair
authors.affiliation: AUT Centre for Active Ageing, School of Clinical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Neville
authors.affiliation: AUT Centre for Active Ageing, School of Clinical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Vanessa
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Forsyth
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Lindsey
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: White
authors.affiliation: AUT Centre for Active Ageing, School of Clinical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Napier
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008132:Loneliness; D008297:Male; D009520:New Zealand; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012934:Social Isolation; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000523:psychology
keywords: New Zealand; aged; ethnic groups; loneliness; social isolation