Loneliness among older adults in the Czech Republic: A socio-demographic, health, and psychosocial profile.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to examine demographic, health, and psychosocial correlates of loneliness in Czech older adults using Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) data.

METHOD

Study builds on secondary data analysis. Nationally representative sample of 2129 Czech older adults, aged 65 and over, were drawn from the SHARE wave 6.0. Factors included socio-demographic variables, physical health, psycho-social and subjective well-being. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA provided information about prevalence and demographic correlates of loneliness. Regression analysis was performed to examine hypothesized relationships between loneliness and health, social network measures, subjective and psychological well-being.

RESULTS

Demographic variation was substantial with the sample of the Czech elderly. The widowed, divorced, and young-old were significantly related to higher loneliness. A U-shaped association was identified between household size and loneliness. Loneliness was also significantly related to education levels and types of living area, but in a complex non-linear way. In contrast, there was no gender difference. Regression results indicated that poor health conditions and social environment were significantly associated with Czech elderly's loneliness. Loneliness appeared to be linked to subjective and psychological well-being among Czech older adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings provide greater information about loneliness in population aging in the Czech society. Political and cultural initiative to promote protection against loneliness and social isolation should put forward aimed at high-risk groups of loneliness.