Loneliness, social provision and health among older men and women with chronic physical diseases – a mixed methods study

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore loneliness, social provision and perceived health from a gender perspective among older persons with chronic diseases. Methods A mixed-methods approach was chosen to enable a deeper insight into the participants’ experience of loneliness. Perceived social support was assessed by the Social Provisions Scale and self-rated health was reported by 42 older participants with chronic diseases. An interview was conducted with 27 participants who reported feeling lonely. Findings Analysis revealed no gender differences in the survey of social provision, but the correlation between social provision and self-rated health was much stronger in women than compared to men. In their statements, the female participants expressed missing emotional support, someone to talk to and relationships with their family. The male participants longed for contact and wanted help to get out of the house. Conclusions The participants need for relief strategies against loneliness seems to be closely linked to their previous traditional gender roles. The results indicate that society could improve the health of older women and men by promoting safe social contacts, preferably in smaller interest groups, as well as facilitating social contact in society, e.g. social meeting places.