Social relationship expectations, care, and loneliness in later life: Perspectives from Thai and Myanmar adults in northern Thailand

Abstract

Loneliness results from unfulfilled social relationship expectations (SREs). Little research has investigated how SREs vary by culture and context, how loneliness is experienced in rural Southeast Asia, and how loneliness relates to care provision in later life. The current study qualitatively explored the understanding of loneliness, contextual differences in the content, avenues, and obstacles for SREs, and care provided by Myanmar and Thai people living at the border in Chiang Rai. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Between November and December 2022, 10 focus group discussions were held with 17 migrants from Myanmar and 33 older people from Thailand. Emerging themes from the focus groups shed light on how loneliness differs between cultures and contexts. Loneliness was experienced particularly at night, when people thought about their unmet relationship expectations. Having “nothing to do” and overthinking were closely related to the experience of loneliness, whereas engaging in activities, including caregiving, alleviated loneliness. Compared to Myanmar adults, Thai older adults were more likely to have family members nearby but less likely to share personal problems and feelings of loneliness with others. Fulfilling the SREs of proximity, generativity, and respect was more challenging for Myanmar migrants, who had been unable to return home for years while struggling with financial insecurity.