Factors Related to Feelings of Loneliness and Attitudes Toward Ageing in Retired Older Adults

Introduction: Feeling lonely in older people is associated with physical and psychological problems, thus increasing the need for care services. Objective: This study investigates the factors related to loneliness and attitudes toward aging in older people living in Rasht City, Northern Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study with a cross-sectional design was conducted on 235 older people covered by the National Pension Fund in Rasht. They were selected by a proportionate stratified sampling method. Data were collected using a demographic checklist, the social and emotional loneliness scale for adults (short version), and attitudes to the aging questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, the Spearman correlation test, the Mann-Whitney U test, the Kruskal-Wallis test, and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: The majority of participants (52.3%) were in the age range of 60-64 years. Most were male (53.6%) and married (93.2%), with a high school diploma (51.1%). The Mean±SD scores of the social and emotional loneliness scales for adults and attitudes to the aging questionnaire were 6.0±27.7 and 7.3±81.1, respectively. The loneliness score was significantly different in terms of educational level (P=0.004), monthly income (P=0.017), and interaction with others (P=0.035). The attitudes towards aging were significantly different in terms of age (P=0.002), employment after retirement (P=0.044), living arrangements (P=0.005), use of psychiatric drugs (P=0.008), and interaction with others (P=0.043). After adjusting the effects of sociodemographic factors using multiple linear regression analysis, the attitude toward aging was found as a predictor of loneliness (B=-0.22; 95% CI, -0.33% to -0.11%; P=0.001). Conclusion: Attitudes toward aging are a predictor of loneliness feeling in older people. Modifying some sociodemographic factors and designing proper interventions and educational programs can improve the attitude toward aging and reduce loneliness in older people.