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An Examination of the Effects of Self-Rated and Objective Indicators of Health Condition and Economic Condition on the Loneliness of Older Persons

Auburn University at Montgomery

Roxenne Smith

University of South Florida

Rachel Colquitt

University of South Florida

Mary Mushel

University of South Florida

Examined is the experience of loneliness as it relates to selected health conditions and selected economic conditions. The effects on loneliness of age, gender, marital status, number of sons, number of daughters, number of male friends, and number of female friends also were examined and controlled. Results are based on a sample from the Senior Citizens Nutrition and Activities Program in Hillsborough County, Florida. An analysis of covariance showed that greater loneliness was expressed by those older persons who were male, had fewer female friends, and had fewer male friends. Among the main effects, poorer self-rated health, less adequate self-rated economic condition, and being in poverty were related to greater loneliness. The interactions between the main effects variable were unrelated to loneliness. The research sheds new light on the influence on loneliness of older persons' health and economic condition, and of selected demographic and interpersonal relationship variables.

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