The lost Gemeinschaft: how people working with the elderly explain loneliness

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Gerontology
• Social Psychology

Background:

• Loneliness among the elderly is a significant social issue.
• Understanding the root causes of elderly loneliness is crucial for developing effective interventions.
• Previous research has explored various factors contributing to loneliness in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore social explanations for loneliness among the elderly.
• To identify underlying patterns in how professionals perceive the causes of elderly loneliness.
• To analyze the role of societal structures in contributing to elderly loneliness.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative interview study design.
• In-depth interviews with professionals working with lonely elderly individuals.
• Thematic analysis of interview data focusing on social explanations.

Main Results:

• A prevalent explanatory pattern for elderly loneliness was identified.
• This pattern reflects a contrast between "Gemeinschaft" (community) and "Gesellschaft" (society).
• Loneliness is explained by the perceived loss of traditional community characteristics in modern society, termed the "lost Gemeinschaft".

Conclusions:

• The concept of "lost Gemeinschaft" provides a framework for understanding social explanations of elderly loneliness.
• This perspective highlights a critical view of contemporary society and a nostalgic longing for past communal structures.
• Interventions may need to address societal factors contributing to the erosion of community and belonging.