Loneliness, Family Devotion, Care Provision, and Gendered Façades Among Black Older Adults in Canada: A Narrative Qualitative Study.

Abstract

Despite growing awareness of loneliness and social isolation among older adults, efforts to address these issues among Black older adults (BOAs) in Canada remain limited. Literature subsumes their lived experiences within broader racialized populations, obscuring their unique challenges. This study explores the narratives of 13 BOAs (n = 5 male, n = 8 female, Mean Age: 68.3) on their roles as both family caregivers and care recipients, examining how these dynamics shape their experiences of loneliness. Using a collectivist theoretical lens and a narrative inquiry approach, the analysis identified three key themes: (1) care and support from adult children, (2) family devotion, and (3) the tension between gendered façades and nurturing dynamics. While cultural expectations of family devotion and caregiving reinforced a strong sense of duty, they often masked deeper emotional gaps. These findings signal the need for culturally tailored interventions that address the emotional landscapes of BOAs, moving beyond generalized assumptions.