Loneliness and Health Status Among Omani Older Adults

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• Increased life expectancy leads to a growing population of older adults.
• Older adults face significant risks for poor health and social isolation, including loneliness.
• Understanding loneliness in older populations is crucial for developing effective health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the prevalence of loneliness among Omani older adults (aged 60 years and above).
• To investigate the association between loneliness and health status in this demographic.
• To identify predictors of loneliness in Omani older adults.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, correlational study design was employed.
• Data were collected from 113 Omani older adults using structured questionnaires.
• Statistical analyses, including hierarchical regression, were used to analyze the data.

Main Results:

• A high prevalence of loneliness was observed, with 67.3% experiencing moderate to severe loneliness.
• Significant predictors of loneliness included being female, older age (≥85 years), living with non-family members, and unemployment.
• Loneliness was identified as a significant predictor of poor mental health, even after controlling for sociodemographic and environmental factors.

Conclusions:

• A substantial proportion of Omani older adults experience loneliness, indicating a pressing public health concern.
• Registered Nurses (RNs) should consider specializing in geriatric care to address the needs of this population.
• Urgent action from researchers and policymakers is recommended to mitigate adverse health outcomes associated with loneliness in older adults.