Gender Differences in Loneliness Among Older Adults: An 8-Year Longitudinal Study

Purpose: To explore trends and associated factors of loneliness among older adult men and women. Method: The current study analyzed data from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging database, including 1,333 individuals aged ≥65 years over an 8-year period (2007–2015). Changes in loneliness were examined separately for men and women. Generalized estimating equation analysis identified the determinants of loneliness. Results: The prevalence of loneliness increased with age in both genders: for men, 9.1% (2007), 12% (2011), and 12.4% (2015); for women, 12.4% (2007), 15.5% (2011), and 18.7% (2015). For men and women, loneliness was associated with lack of spouse, living alone, poor self-reported health, physical function impairment, lower financial satisfaction, and reduced emotional support. Hearing impairment was significant for men, whereas visual impairment, lack of emotional support, and absence of social engagement were significant for women. Conclusion: Findings highlight the importance of developing gender-specific interventions to address loneliness among older adults.