Loneliness in older persons with schizophrenia

In tandem with the rise in numbers of older adults in the general population, more people with schizophrenia (PwS) are also living longer. This vulnerable population has several trajectories of ageing driven by a number of social determinants of health, including the experience of loneliness and they may be more at risk of experiencing loneliness.

This study aimed to examine demographic, psychosocial and clinical variables and their relative contribution to the loneliness of older PwS (OPwS) in a large New Zealand community sample.

New Zealanders 65 years and older who completed their first interRAI assessment during the study period were included. Data from 1,883 OPwS participants was analysed [mean age, 75.1 + 7.7 years; 1,132 (60.3%) females]. The majority were of European ethnicity (64.8%; Māori 15.7%, Pacifica 5.7%) and only a minority were married (20.6%). Chi-square analysis was used to examine relationships between loneliness and demographic and psychosocial variables. Logistic regression was used to measure the relative contribution of these variables to loneliness.

Being lonely was reported for 25.9% of OPwS, a significantly higher rate than that reported in the general population of people over 65 years-of-age. A relationship with loneliness was found for marital status, depression and living arrangements but not gender, ethnicity or social engagement. Co-morbid depression and not being in a marital-type partnership were identified as significant predictors of being lonely. Conversely, living with someone predicted being not lonely.

Older community dwelling PwS experience higher rates of loneliness than older adults in a general population. Addressing loneliness, as well as its correlates, co-morbid depressive symptoms and living arrangements, is crucial to supporting the wellbeing of OPwS.