Choosing Solitude: Age Differences in Situational and Affective Correlates of Solitude-Seeking in Midlife and Older Adulthood

Jennifer C Lay, Theresa Pauly, Peter Graf, Atiya Mahmood, Christiane A Hoppmann and Shevaun Neupert

The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 2020, vol. 75, issue 3, 483-493

Abstract: ObjectivesDespite a basic need for social connection, individuals across the adult lifespan sometimes seek solitude—a phenomenon that is not well understood. This study examined situational and affective correlates of solitude-seeking and how they may differ between middle-aged and older adults.MethodOne hundred community-dwelling adults aged 50–85 years (64% female, 56% East Asian, 36% European, 8% other) completed approximately 30 electronic daily life assessments over 10 days regarding their current location, affect, activities, and current and desired social context.ResultsSolitude was common; 86% of solitude instances happened by individuals’ own choosing. When desiring solitude, older adults were more likely to be at home and less likely to be outdoors, compared to other locations. Middle-aged adults showed no such solitude-location associations. Among middle-aged adults, desire for solitude was associated with decreased positive affect. Older adults experienced no such dip in affect.DiscussionFindings suggest that compared to middle-aged adults, older adults are more likely to go to locations that match their desired social context, and also that solitude-seeking has more positive ramifications for older adults. Findings are discussed in the context of age differences in activities, social preferences, and emotion regulation.

Keywords: Age differences; Emotion regulation; Social context; Time alone; Time-sampling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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The Journals of Gerontology: Series B is currently edited by Psychological Sciences - S. Duke Han, PhD and Social Sciences - Jessica A Kelley, PhD, FGSA

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