Axén Anna, Christiansen Line, Taube Elin, Kumlien Christine, Borg Christel
Department of Health, Blekinge Institute of Technology, Karlskrona, Sweden.
Department of Care Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmo, Sweden.
Scand J Caring Sci. 2025 Jun;39(2):e70057. doi: 10.1111/scs.70057.
Due to ageing, physical changes can affect one's ability to actively engage with others, resulting in limitations in social connections comparable to loneliness. Hence, there is a need for research on how older adults avoid experiencing loneliness and thus promote health through social connections. The aim of this study was to describe the significance of social connections and health in relation to loneliness experienced by older adults living at home.
Older adults aged 65 years and older (n = 16) purposively selected from a longitudinal population-based multicentre study participated in semi-structured interviews. The interviews were conducted in January 2024, transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive content analysis.
The findings illustrated one main category, Preventing loneliness, and three associated generic categories: The silver lining of connecting with oneself, Being surrounded by meaningful connections and Striving to maintain an active and healthy life.
Preventing loneliness may be one important aspect of healthy ageing. However, for some older adults, time alone offers enrichment and well-being, with routines playing a key role. Meaningful connections and feeling needed are crucial in preventing loneliness, especially as social networks may decline with age. An active and healthy life also prevents loneliness, though barriers like age-related limitations must be addressed. It is, therefore, important to address loneliness in society. Furthermore, it is essential that healthcare education incorporates the impact of loneliness on older adults to promote healthy ageing.
由于衰老，身体变化会影响一个人与他人积极交往的能力，导致社交联系受限，这与孤独感相当。因此，有必要研究老年人如何避免孤独感，并通过社交联系促进健康。本研究的目的是描述社交联系和健康对于居家老年人孤独感的意义。
从一项基于人群的纵向多中心研究中，有目的地选取了16名65岁及以上的老年人参与半结构化访谈。访谈于2024年1月进行，逐字转录，并采用归纳性内容分析法进行分析。
研究结果显示了一个主要类别，即预防孤独，以及三个相关的一般类别：与自己建立联系的积极一面、被有意义的联系所环绕、努力保持积极健康的生活。
预防孤独可能是健康老龄化的一个重要方面。然而，对一些老年人来说，独处能带来充实感和幸福感，日常生活起着关键作用。有意义的联系和被需要的感觉对于预防孤独至关重要，尤其是随着年龄增长社交网络可能会减少。积极健康的生活也能预防孤独，不过必须解决诸如与年龄相关的限制等障碍。因此，在社会中解决孤独问题很重要。此外，医疗保健教育必须纳入孤独对老年人的影响，以促进健康老龄化。
