background One third of the older people in the Dutch population experience lonely feelings in some way, and 1-3% suffer from strong feelings of loneliness (Knipscheer e.a. 1998). Research revealed that loneliness is strongly associated with depression (Cacioppo e.a. 2006; Golden e.a. 2009). Two kinds of loneliness are being distinguished (Weiss 1975). Emotional loneliness, which arises in the absence of a close emotional attachment, and social loneliness, defined as not being embedded in a social network. A better understanding of loneliness in the elderly can raise support for the development of programs in which these older persons can be actively approached and loneliness and depression can be prevented.
aim To assess the relationship between specific determinants of loneliness or subtypes of loneliness and depression.
method A prospective cohort study. Participants on the nesdo-study of 60 years and older with depression were compared with nondepressed controls with respect to feelings of loneliness and depression and psychological, social and cognitive functioning as possible determinants. All analyses will be conducted for three age-categories; 1. 60-69 years, 2. 70-79 years and 3. >79 years.
results A total of 378 patients and 133 controls participated. Patients in all three age groups reported significantly (p<0.05) more and more severe feelings of loneliness than the controls. Patients in the groups of 60-69 and 70-79 years old reported significantly more need for affiliation when compared to controls. Patients in all three age groups scored worse on the mmse than controls. This was significant in the oldest age group >79 (p = 0.017)
conclusion Depressed older persons experience more feelings of loneliness and are in a stronger need for affiliation than non-depressed older persons. Preliminary analyses show that changes in cognitive functioning can be a determinant of loneliness.