Living Alone During COVID-19: Social Contact and Emotional Well-being Among Older Adults.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The COVID-19 outbreak and associated physical distancing measures altered the social world for most older adults, but people who live alone may have been disproportionately affected. The current study examined how living alone was associated with daily social contact and emotional well-being among older adults during the pandemic.

Method

Adults (N = 226) aged 69+ completed a brief survey assessing their living situation, social contact with different social partners (in person, by phone, electronically), and emotions during the morning, afternoon, and evening the prior day.

Results

Older adults who live alone were less likely to see others in person or to receive or provide help. Living alone was associated with more positive emotions concurrent with in-pers

SUBMITTER: Fingerman KL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7717423 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature