Loneliness. Easing the pain of the hospitalized elderly.

For the older adult, loneliness may contribute to deterioration in physical and mental health. Some factors that may contribute to loneliness in the older adult include the death of a spouse, loss of a pet, lack of visitors, physical incapacity, role changes, and relocation. In general, loneliness may be the result of events that typically occur as a part of the aging process. Nurses can decrease the incidence of loneliness in the older adult by ensuring access to visitors and facilitating involvement in usual activities. Assessment information that is needed to plan nursing care to decrease the incidence of loneliness includes data regarding the patient's cultural background; significant persons, objects, and activities; and previous hospitalization experiences.