Article contents
Negative old-age life events and well-being in later life: the moderating and mediating role of loneliness
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 17 February 2021
Abstract
Although older adults often experience negative life events or loss experiences, they rarely experience large decreases in their quality of life or well-being. Emotionally satisfying relationships in older adults may serve as a protective factor that reduces the impact of negative events in decreasing well-being. The availability of these close social contacts is essential, and their potential for alleviating feelings of loneliness after negative events could have an important role in promoting well-being. The aim of this study was to test the hypothetical moderation and mediation effects of social and emotional loneliness on the occurrence of negative old-age life events and well-being in later life.
This was a cross-sectional survey conducted as part of the Detection, Support and Care for older people – Prevention and Empowerment research project (2015–2018).
Participants were community-dwelling older adults in Flanders (Belgium).
The sample composed of 770 participants aged 60 years and over.
Participant demographics, social and emotional loneliness, and subjective well-being were measured. Moderation and mediation analyses were performed using the regression-based approach as conducted by Hayes and Rockwood (2017).
Results indicated that a low degree of (social) loneliness is a protective, moderating factor and (emotional) loneliness is a mediating factor on the effects of negative life events on well-being in later life.
Findings highlight the importance of emotionally and socially satisfying social contacts in order to maintain positive subjective well-being in later life when negative life events may occur.
- Type
- Original Research Article
- Information
- International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 33 , Special Issue 12: Issue Theme: Social Engagement and Mental Health , December 2021 , pp. 1265 - 1276
- Copyright
- © International Psychogeriatric Association 2021
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