Older People, Loss, and Loneliness: The Troublesome Nature of Increased Contact With Adult Children

Older people may experience considerable loss when they endure emotional or social loneliness. Emotional loneliness is related to the loss or absence of a confidant whilst social loneliness describes the discrepancy between the nature of one’s desired and actual social network. In this article, both concepts are examined in relation to new attendees at time-limited day centre reablement programmes in Northern Ireland. Using group work activities, reablement programmes aim to motivate participants to continue to live independently, often in the face of later life losses. Out of a total of 91 initial respondents (range 61-94), 13 lived with adult children (ten of whom were lone parents). Those living with, or who had daily contact with, adult children had significantly higher levels of emotional loneliness at the start of their programme, but not at the end. For this sample, reductions in emotional loneliness in certain cohorts of older adults who attend these programmes has been identified. In conclusion, it is proposed that fourth age losses mediate older people’s living arrangement and may create greater vulnerability to emotional loneliness in those living with adult children. Additionally, social groups may be effective in helping reduce emotional loneliness