Momentary Loneliness Among Older Adults: Real-Time Correlates and Potential Entry Points for Intervention

TL;DR

This study explores real-time factors linked to momentary loneliness in older adults and suggests potential interventions to address it.

Contribution

The study identifies real-time contexts and sub-populations at higher risk for momentary loneliness and proposes personalized interventions.

Findings

Being alone and at home increases momentary loneliness in older adults.

Large personal networks and the pandemic intensify loneliness in specific contexts.

Social company departures and misaligned social desires contribute to loneliness.

Abstract

Momentary loneliness remains at the forefront of investigations into the complexities of loneliness. Ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) have enabled researchers to consider the relevance of real-time social context for loneliness rather than rely on the long-documented more stable measures of social integration. Here, we summarize a series of studies that provide novel insights into who may be more likely to experience momentary loneliness, when, and implications for intervention.

We use data from the Chicago Health and Activity Space in Real Time study (CHART), a population-based cluster sample of 450 adults ages 65+. A series of regression models examined associations between real-time physical and social context and momentary loneliness, as well as moderating effects of more stable social factors and socio-demographic characteristics. Subsequent focus group discussions explored the nuance to older adults’ momentary loneliness experiences.

Findings identify being momentarily alone and/or at home as key risk factors for momentary loneliness. However, these loneliness-inducing contexts were stronger for certain sub-populations, those with large personal networks, and during the COVID-19 pandemic (versus before). Qualitative research highlights social company departures, misalignment in socializing desires, and a lack of belonging as additional real-time factors increasing risk.

Results are among the first to identify contextual effects on real-time loneliness in older adults and how these associations vary across individuals and more stable and societal-level contexts. Group discussions further inform the feasibility and utility of a just-in-time adaptive intervention to reduce momentary loneliness via key antecedents personalized to users.