UCSD Study Finds 'Epidemic' of Loneliness in Older Adults

A study by University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine researchers in Aging and Mental Health observed an apparent epidemic of loneliness among adults in senior living or retirement communities, reports Fox 5 San Diego . The researchers estimated that 85 percent of the interviewed residents had moderate to severe levels of loneliness. "Loneliness is a growing public health concern, and it's important that we identify the underlying causes of loneliness from the seniors' own perspectives so we can help resolve it and improve the overall health, well-being, and longevity of our aging population," said UCSD School of Medicine Professor Dilip V. Jeste. All 100 study subjects lived in an independent housing section of senior-living communities in San Diego. Loss of a spouse, sibling, or friend seemed to be a common factor for most older adults, and Jeste added that many residents found making new friends to be difficult and not as fulfilling as those with whom they grew up. Loss of purpose also was a quite common variable, while coping strategies included performing good deeds for someone else or coming to terms with aging.