[Factors associated with the perception of loneliness among older people living in the community].

Abstract

Background: Chilean community-dwelling older people are a vulnerable population with a high risk of being self-perceived as lonely.

Aim: To examine the factors associated with the self-perception of loneliness in a group of Chilean community-dwelling older people.

Material and methods: Cross-sectional study design with 540 participants aged 65 years and above (72.20 ± 6.22). Measures for sociodemographic, health status, and integral geriatric assessment were assessed. Correlations and multiple linear regression models were conducted.

Results: Factors such as low perception of social support in everyday situations or cases of emergency, experiencing high depressive symptoms, and perceiving a poor quality of life were significantly associated with a higher self-perception of loneliness.

Discussion: Preventive strategies and age-appropriate psychosocial interventions to mitigate or reverse the impact of these factors may be essential to reduce the self-perception of loneliness and consequently improve older people's well-being.