A model of loneliness in older adults

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.