Loneliness in older persons with schizophrenia

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• Increasing lifespan of people with schizophrenia (PwS) leads to a growing population of older PwS.
• This demographic faces unique aging trajectories influenced by social determinants like loneliness.
• Older PwS may be at a higher risk of experiencing loneliness compared to the general older population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate demographic, psychosocial, and clinical factors contributing to loneliness in older PwS.
• To determine the relative importance of these variables in predicting loneliness within a New Zealand community sample.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from 1,883 older PwS (aged 65+) from a New Zealand community sample.
• Utilized Chi-square analysis to explore relationships between loneliness and various variables.
• Employed logistic regression to identify significant predictors of loneliness.

Main Results:

• 25.9% of older PwS reported loneliness, a significantly higher prevalence than in the general older population.
• Marital status, co-morbid depression, and living arrangements were associated with loneliness.
• Co-morbid depression and not being in a partnership were significant predictors of loneliness; living with someone predicted not being lonely.

Conclusions:

• Older community-dwelling PwS exhibit elevated rates of loneliness.
• Interventions should address loneliness, co-morbid depressive symptoms, and living arrangements to enhance well-being.
• Targeting these factors is crucial for supporting the mental health of older individuals with schizophrenia.