Loneliness and physical health status in older adults ha,have been correlat
ed strongly but the predictive direction is unclear. This study examined Be
relationship between personality, cognition, social network, and age model
ed as predictors of loneliness in older Americans. Self-assessed health med
iated the relationship. The sample consisted of 208 independently living in
dividuals 60 to 106 years of age from the southern region of Be United Stat
es. Model comparison revealed health did not mediate the relationship signi
ficantly but that self-reported loneliness itself mediated between personal
characteristics and perceived health. Results indicate anxiety frequency o
f telephone contact, and age, but not frequency efface-to-face contact with
others or cognitive functioning, affect perceived loneliness. Perceived lo
neliness mediates the effects of anxiety, frequency of telephone contact, a
nd ge on self-assessed health. Feelings of loneliness decrease one's evalua
tion of physical well-being.