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Growing old and lonely in different societies: Toward a comparative perspective
1International Exchange Center on Gerontology University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, U.S.A..
Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology
|January 7, 2014
Summary
Societal values significantly impact older adults' loneliness. Understanding individualistic versus collective values helps explain social needs and satisfaction levels, introducing the loneliness threshold concept.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sociology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Loneliness in older adults is a growing concern.
- Societal and subcultural value systems influence individual experiences.
- Existing research often overlooks the role of cultural values in social well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the subjective experience of loneliness in older adults.
- To examine the influence of societal and subcultural value systems on loneliness.
- To introduce the concept of a 'loneliness threshold'.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of individualistic and collective value systems.
- Examination of social contact and socioemotional bonding experiences.
- Theoretical exploration of human needs for social bonding and individuation.
Main Results:
- Value systems prioritizing individualistic or collective bonds significantly shape social interactions.
- Differences in value systems correlate with varying levels of social contact and satisfaction.
- The 'loneliness threshold' concept provides a framework for understanding desired social connection levels.
Conclusions:
- Loneliness among older adults is deeply intertwined with societal values.
- Addressing loneliness requires considering both social bonding and individuation needs within cultural contexts.
- The loneliness threshold offers a novel perspective for assessing and mitigating social isolation.
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