Effects of Own and Spousal Disability on Loneliness Among Older Adults

Objectives: This study examines the effects of own and spousal disability on social and emotional loneliness among married adults aged 65 and older. Method: Data from 710 men and 379 women of a Dutch community sample were analyzed with linear regression analyses. Results: For men, only their wives&#...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of aging and health 2008-04, Vol.20 (3), p.306-325
Main Authors: Korporaal, Marga, Broese van Groenou, Marjolein I., van Tilburg, Theo G.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Couples
Disability
Disabled Persons - psychology
Elderly
Emotions
Female
Handicapped
Health Status
Health technology assessment
Humans
Loneliness
Loneliness - psychology
Male
Middle Aged
Netherlands
Older people
Regression analysis
Sex Differences
Sex Factors
Social networks
Social Support
Spouses - psychology
Studies
Well being
Women
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Summary:Objectives: This study examines the effects of own and spousal disability on social and emotional loneliness among married adults aged 65 and older. Method: Data from 710 men and 379 women of a Dutch community sample were analyzed with linear regression analyses. Results: For men, only their wives' disability was related to higher levels of social loneliness, whereas for women mainly their own disability was related to higher levels of social loneliness. Own disability and spousal disability were related to higher levels of emotional loneliness among both men and women. Effects of disability remained unaffected after controlling for characteristics of the social network and the marital relationship. Discussion: Findings underscore the importance of considering effects of both spouses' health on measures of individual well-being. Also, the traditional division of social roles makes older married men relatively vulnerable to social loneliness when their wives suffer from disability.
ISSN:0898-2643
1552-6887
DOI:10.1177/0898264308315431