Loneliness, Protective/Risk Factors, and Coping Strategies Among Older Adults: A Transnational Qualitative Approach

Paula Andrea Fernández-Dávila, Joan Casas-Martí () and Lorena Patricia Gallardo-Peralta
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Paula Andrea Fernández-Dávila: School of Psychology and Philosophy, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica 1000000, Chile
Joan Casas-Martí: School of Social Work, Universitat de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
Lorena Patricia Gallardo-Peralta: Department of Social Work, Universidad Alberto Hurtado, Santiago 6500620, Chile

Social Sciences, 2025, vol. 14, issue 4, 1-16

Abstract: The experience of loneliness in old age has gained relevance for social gerontology due to its association with the adverse biopsychosocial health status of the elderly, significantly impacting quality of life in old age. Therefore, the objective of this study was to understand the experiences of loneliness, analysing the perception of its risk and protective factors, as well as the coping strategies used by older people in Chile and Spain, through a transnational qualitative approach, with a view to identifying the influence of cultural variables in the presence of this problem. This research was a descriptive study which used qualitative methodologies for data collection and analysis. The research participants were 30 older people of both sexes who participated in a semi-structured interview about their experiences of loneliness. The main results showed that loneliness in old age was experienced as an emotional disconnection and lack of intimacy and company, mainly in family relationships. Among the most prominent risk factors were old age, gender roles, widowhood, economic limitations, and loss of autonomy. Protective factors included active social participation, religious practice, and participation in meaningful social activities. As for coping strategies, these ranged from strengthening relationships to using digital tools and accepting loneliness as part of life. The findings of this study underline the importance of designing interventions focused on social inclusion and subjective well-being in old age, which contribute to preventing the experience of loneliness at this stage of the life cycle.

Keywords: loneliness; older adults; protective factors; risk factors; coping strategies; qualitative research; transnational approach (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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