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Coping with loneliness: what do older adults suggest?
Eric C Schoenmakers1, Theo G van Tilburg, Tineke Fokkema
1Department of Sociology, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. E.C.Schoenmakers@vu.nl
Aging & Mental Health
|December 2, 2011
Summary
Older adults often suggest both active and regulative coping strategies for loneliness. However, active coping is less frequently recommended for those who might benefit most, highlighting the challenges in combating loneliness among seniors.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Social Psychology
- Mental Health
Background:
- Loneliness is a significant concern for older adults, yet understanding their coping mechanisms remains limited.
- Two primary coping strategies are active coping (enhancing relationships) and regulative coping (adjusting expectations).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how older adults suggest active and regulative coping strategies to peers experiencing loneliness.
- To examine the influence of individual resources on these suggestions.
Main Methods:
- 1187 adults aged 62-100 from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam participated.
- Respondents were presented with vignettes of lonely individuals and asked about suggested coping strategies.
Main Results:
- Both active and regulative coping were frequently suggested.
- Active coping was less often suggested for older, less healthy, or lonelier individuals, and by those with higher self-esteem.
- Regulative coping was more frequently suggested for older individuals, particularly those with lower education and mastery.
Conclusions:
- Active coping strategies are underutilized for older adults who could benefit most, indicating difficulties in addressing loneliness.
- The findings underscore the complex interplay between individual characteristics and the perceived efficacy of different coping mechanisms for loneliness in later life.
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