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Gender Differences in Loneliness Among Older Adults: An 8-Year Longitudinal Study
Pi-Hua Huang1, Hsia-Ling Wu2, Mei-Ju Chi3
1Department of Nursing, St. Mary's Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Yilan.
Research in Gerontological Nursing
|July 21, 2026
Summary
Loneliness increased with age in older adults, particularly women. Factors like lack of spouse and poor health were common, with specific impairments affecting men and women differently.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Loneliness is a growing concern among aging populations worldwide.
- Understanding gender-specific trends and risk factors is crucial for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolving trends of loneliness in older men and women.
- To identify associated factors contributing to loneliness in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging database (2007-2015).
- Inclusion of 1,333 individuals aged 65 years and above.
- Generalized estimating equation analysis to determine loneliness factors.
Main Results:
- Loneliness prevalence increased with age for both genders, with higher rates in women.
- Common factors included lack of spouse, living alone, poor health, and reduced support.
- Gender-specific factors: hearing impairment for men; visual impairment and lack of social engagement for women.
Conclusions:
- Loneliness trends and determinants differ between older men and women.
- Interventions for older adult loneliness should be tailored to gender-specific needs.
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