Prevalence of Loneliness and Isolation and its Effect on Relationships among Geriatrics

Abstract

Loneliness and isolation are two of the most common psychological phenomena that the world is facing today, especially among the geriatric population. The present study aims to understand the prevalence of loneliness and isolation among the geriatric population as well as their effect on relationships. On the sample of N = 10, comprising the age group (65 and above), in-depth, semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions were used to collect the data. Furthermore, it was analysed through thematic analysis, based on the model by Braun and Clarke (2006) and Attride-Stirling (2001), and eight global themes were found, along with 18 organising themes, followed by 49 basic themes. They had divergent views regarding multiple aspects of the way they lived. The results indicated the homogeneity of responses among geriatrics; however, at the same time, they revealed variation in their opinions about socialisation, childhood experiences, and exploring new things. Cultural and societal expectations, along with personal beliefs, are prime factors in their beliefs and ideas about relationships. A large sample size could have revealed more diverse opinions and led to better generalisability among the elderly population of India.