Loneliness and Psychological Well-Being among the Aged

Loneliness has been identified as a critical condition in the context of the psychological well-being of the aged. The present study empirically examined the association between perceived loneliness in the aged and several dimensions of psychological well-being. Three hundred twenty aged males and females from urban, semi-urban, rural, and tribal settings were individually administered a standardized test of loneliness. They were also individually administered a standardized life orientation questionnaire for the elderly. The questionnaire measured a number of dimensions of well-being. The dimensions included perceived competence, Physical Health, freedom from anxiety, person morale, freedom from depression autonomy, trust, social support, perception of control, happiness in family, effective coping. Work involvement achievement, and feelings of spirituality. The examination of the correlation coefficients between loneliness and each dimension indicated significant negative association. Loneliness was significant and negatively correlated with overall well-being. The pattern was also found when correlation coefficients obtained in each of the specific groups (such as urban participants) were examined. Furthermore, the life orientation questionnaire was instrumental in identifying salient and non-salient needs of the aged, Participants were asked to rank-order a number of needs in terms of their priority. The needs identified as the two least important were considered non-salient needs. The examination of the relationship between loneliness and need satisfaction showed that examination of the relationship between loneliness and need satisfaction showed that loneliness was significantly and negatively related to total need satisfaction. Moreover, loneliness was significantly and negatively related to total need satisfaction showed that loneliness was significantly related to age ; it was negatively associated with-education, The implication of the study were pointed out and direction for future studies were suggested.