Loneliness and Unmet Needs of Older Adults Living in Publicly Supported Housing

• Published in: Research in gerontological nursing 2023-09, Vol.16 (5), p.1-223
• Main Authors: Sabo, Kathryn, Wong, John, Lopez, Ruth Palan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Affordable housing; Age; Aged; Community support; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Data collection; Health aspects; Hypertension; Loneliness; Low income groups; Medical prognosis; Mental health; Nursing education; Older people; Psychological aspects; Public health; Public housing; Quality of life; Social aspects; Social isolation; Students
• ISSN: 1940-4921; 1938-2464
• DOI: 10.3928/19404921-20230606-02

Guided by the RE-AIM framework, the current study sought to examine the relationship between perceived needs of older adults living in publicly supported housing and loneliness. Participants were males and females aged 70 to 83 years who identified as White or Chinese. Using the Camberwell Assessment of Need Short Appraisal Schedule and UCLA Loneliness Scale, the relationship between residents' needs and loneliness was assessed to guide the development of interventions. Results revealed residents self-reported 54% of their needs were met and rated their loneliness at a score of 36.5 (moderate level). Furthermore, there was a medium positive correlation between unmet needs and loneliness whereby high unmet needs were associated with higher loneliness scores. Findings suggest that these older adults living in publicly supported housing are vulnerable to the negative consequences of loneliness. Implementing equitable and inclusive interventions to address the impact of loneliness in the context of social determinants of health is warranted. [ (x), xx-xx.].