Loneliness has been studied from many different points of view and there is no unified definition. Mainly, loneliness is thought as being estranged from others. Among elderly population has been examined, in quantitative studies, according to demographic factors, education, socio-economic status or health. In average, one third of elderly population suffers from loneliness at least sometimes 1,2,3. Illness, death of a spouse and lack of friends were the most common causes of loneliness 2. The level of loneliness can be assessed in a scoring system that is often used in the form of UCLA loneliness scale. This score classified whether it is low, medium or high.
Yogyakarta which is the largest elderly population in Indonesia, noted that as of June 2022, amounted to 58,384 people out of the total population of Yogyakarta City as of June 2022 reaching 412,589 people. A small study in two nursing homes in Yogyakarta found 3% of elderly experiencing high loneliness, 5% moderate and 92% low, with a total of 38 respondents. Based on the interviews we conducted, the reasons why there is feeling of loneliness are unable to socialize because of physical disturbance (ie stroke), related belief, unwillingness live at nursing home and unable share problem with others. Most of elderly not feeling loneliness because of like to share life with others, diverse activities in nursing home, feeling peaceful rather than in their own family.

Authors:
Sarly Puspita Ariesa, Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia
Probosuseno Probosuseno, Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia
IDA Dewa Pramantara, Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Sarly Puspita is a postgraduate student from Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia. Her Research is about Solitude Level in Older adults live in nursing home

See this presentation on the full schedule – On Demand Schedule

Bookmark