Our population here in the United States and around the world continues to increase as does greater interest in specific mental health complications associated with aging. While it is well documented in the literature that depression and anxiety are the most common psychological disorders experienced later in life, another aspect of aging may have a more profound negative effect on these conditions – loneliness. In short, loneliness may be one of the most profound influences on many poor mental health outcomes throughout later life.
Depression in Older Adults
Feelings of sadness, guilt and fatigue experienced with loss of enjoyment or interest in quality of life activities can be common among some older adults. Others may experience biological symptoms of depression including sleep and appetite disturbance. These symptoms and others may cascade into feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, negative self-image and poor self-care. It is well-known that depression among older adults is heavily influenced by health status, chronic pain, lack of family or social support, and declining cognitive abilities. Depression may also be affected by fear of impending death.
Death Anxiety
While death anxiety isn’t exactly a new concept in gerontological studies, a new light is being cast on it as a powerful influence on depression and mental health through the mediating effects of loneliness. End of life feelings, emotions and thoughts can be more than unpleasant for some older adults and may be experienced on a continuum ranging from mild to severe. Severity of such experiences accompanied by loneliness, may lead to not only depression and other mental health problems, but low life expectancy and quality of life.
Loneliness and Mental Health
The distance between desired interpersonal relationships and the actual relationships an older adult has captures the concept of loneliness. Whether living in their own home or a senior care community, loneliness appears to be pervasive and is associated with increased risk of physical and mental health problems. It also affects other quality of life areas such as self-care, meaning and purpose in life, and death anxiety. It may not be a stretch, in other words, to say that loneliness is a key component of numerous negative health outcomes among older adults and with its absence, quality of life might be enhanced.
Final Thoughts on the Powerful and Negative Impact of Loneliness on the Mental Health of Older Adults
Aging can be a time of significantly positive experiences such as becoming a grandparent, retiring, traveling and becoming wiser. It, on the other hand, may be a time that brings about anxiety about death, poor social support, depression and pain, just to name a few. There may be one very important variable that makes the biggest difference between the two sides of the coin and according to a good deal of research and quite frankly, common sense, it is loneliness. The lesson learned here is that relationships, especially in later life matter greatly and should not be taken for granted.