Loneliness Definition

Introduction Definition and views on loneliness „Defininig the concept of loneliness is complicated at times as it is considered to be a subjective phenomenon that derives from the discrepancy between an individual’s desired and achieved levels of social relations.” (Nyqvist, Frederica et al., 2013: p. 1014) “Loneliness is experienced over the entire life course, but studies have showed an increased prevalence of this feeling in old age that affects the quality of life. In older ages, individuals experience loss of close ties (relatives, friends, wife/ husband, neighbors), experience entrance in a new community if necessary (institutionalization) and the probability of finding a new intimate attachment is very low. Thus, the latter characteristics

There are two things that have to be pointed out:

- the geographical context differs which means that there are cultural differences in how people understand loneliness (individualistic versus collectivistic society, urban versus rural) and also the different policies adopted by governments;

- the limits of these studies are clear: being cross-sectional studies, they only point out to the data from one moment in time and therefore a definite causal relation between two phenomena cannot be established (loneliness and getting old). Actually, each of the variables present in the research can influence the feeling of loneliness, not necessarily old

Also, many of them do not have a partner or children and are functional dependent, have depression, report a worse health status, and a higher number of medical conditions. What is interesting is that people who live in nursing homes seem to gather with family, friends, or neighbors more frequently (63,2%) than noninstitutionalized people (40,2%). Another key variable is depression; however, studies have shown a reciprocal influence between loneliness and depression. Depression may be a consequence of loneliness, but depression can also lead to loneliness and disruption of social relationships. Which one of the phenomena is experienced first depends on each and every person. Individuals living in the community reported a better health-related quality of life and felt less lonely (50,4%) than people who were institutionalized (71,6%).” (Prieto-Flores, Maria-Eugenia et al., 2011: p.