Community Health Perspectives on Middle-aged Adults Living Alone: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Community Health
• Public Health
• Gerontology

Background:

• The population of middle-aged adults (45-64 years) living alone is rapidly increasing.
• Understanding the health implications for this demographic is crucial for public health.
• Existing research requires synthesis to identify gaps and intervention opportunities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize evidence on the physical health, mental well-being, health behaviors, and quality of life of middle-aged adults living alone.
• To evaluate the current research landscape concerning this population.
• To identify critical research gaps and explore opportunities for targeted community health interventions.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive scoping review following the JBI Scoping Review Guidelines.
• Searches conducted in Ovid-Medline, Ovid-EMBASE, APA PsycInfo, and CINAHL Complete (2000-2024).
• Inclusion of randomized and non-randomized trials, quantitative and qualitative studies; data extraction and categorization by two independent reviewers.

Main Results:

• 44 studies were included from an initial 19,519 identified.
• Middle-aged adults living alone reported poorer physical and mental health compared to those in multi-person households.
• Less favorable health behaviors were observed, influenced by socioeconomic status, location, and healthcare access.

Conclusions:

• Significant disparities in health and well-being exist for middle-aged adults living alone.
• There is an urgent need for community-based strategies to address social isolation and improve healthcare access.
• Promoting healthier lifestyles is essential to mitigate public health gaps in this vulnerable population.