Trends in the Mortality Risk of Living Alone during Old Age in Sweden, 1992–2011

• Published in: Journal of aging and health 2020-12, Vol.32 (10), p.1399-1408
• Main Authors: Shaw, Benjamin A., Dahlberg, Lena, Nilsen, Charlotta, Agahi, Neda
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; controlled study; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health and Welfare; human; Humans; Hälsa och välfärd; independent living; Independent Living - statistics & numerical data; living alone; loneliness; Male; Medicin och hälsovetenskap; Mortality; Mortality - trends; mortality risk; Older people; psychological well-being; Sweden; Sweden - epidemiology; temporal trends
• ISSN: 0898-2643; 1552-6887; 1552-6887
• DOI: 10.1177/0898264320930452

Objectives: This study investigates the association between living alone and mortality over a recent 19-year period (1992–2011). Method: Data from a repeated cross-sectional, nationally representative (Sweden) study of adults ages 77 and older are analyzed in relation to 3-year mortality. Results: Findings suggest that the mortality risk associated with living alone during old age increased between 1992 and 2011 (p = .076). A small increase in the mean age of those living alone is partly responsible for the strengthening over time of this association. Throughout this time period, older adults living alone consistently reported poorer mobility and psychological health, less financial security, fewer social contacts, and more loneliness than older adults living with others. Discussion: Older adults living alone are more vulnerable than those living with others, and their mortality risk has increased. They may have unique service needs that should be considered in policies aiming to support aging in place.