Investigation of the Effects of Loneliness Levels on Healthy Aging and Adaptation Difficulties in Nursing Home Residents

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine the effects of loneliness levels on healthy aging and adaptation difficulties among elderly individuals living in nursing homes. Materials and Methods: This study was designed as a cross-sectional and correlational study. The study population consisted of 354 elderly individuals residing in nursing homes in a provincial center in T & uuml;rkiye. No sampling method was applied; instead, 201 elderly individuals who met the inclusion criteria and were randomly accessible formed the study sample. The inclusion criteria were as follows: those residing in a nursing home, having no mental health issues, being literate, and having no hearing or vision impairments. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews between November 2023 and February 2024. The data collection instruments included a Personal Information Form, the Loneliness Scale (LS), the Healthy Aging Scale (HAS), and the Adaptation Difficulty Scale for the Elderly (ADSE). Results: The study found a significant negative correlation between loneliness and healthy aging, a significant negative correlation between adaptation difficulty and healthy aging, and a significant positive correlation between loneliness and adaptation difficulty (p < 0.01). Additionally, it was determined that loneliness was influenced by healthy aging at a rate of 13.6% and by adaptation difficulty at a rate of 13.8%. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the levels of loneliness, healthy aging, and adaptation difficulties among the elderly were within normal ranges and that these three factors influenced each other. The study demonstrated that loneliness negatively affects the healthy aging process and increases adaptation difficulties. It is recommended to strengthen social support mechanisms in nursing homes, encourage social interaction among elderly individuals through various activities, and implement psychosocial support programs. Additionally, promoting the use of digital communication tools to strengthen connections with family and society is considered essential.