Lived experiences of loneliness and social isolation among older adults in Hong Kong

Abstract

AIMS The World Health Organization highlights the need for global collaboration for healthy aging among older people. However, loneliness and social isolation among older people are widespread nowadays and recognized as foremost public health problems globally and locally. Hong Kong, which has the longest life expectancy in the world, is inevitably facing these issues. This paper aimed to explore the lived experiences of older adults' loneliness and social isolation among older adults in Hong Kong.

METHODS This paper reported the later phase of an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study from 2021 to 2024. The qualitative interviews were conducted from late 2022 to 2023. After the first phase of quantitative data analysis of community older adults aged 60 or above who were cared by migrant domestic workers, purposive sampling was conducted to select subjects with various levels of loneliness and social isolation, face-to-face semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with consent for audio recording. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was adopted for data analysis of transcripts.

RESULTS Among 19 older adults who were experiencing loneliness and social isolation risk, five were male, nine were living with spouse and 3 were living with children. Four interrelated themes of social, physical, familial and emotional aspects with ten subthemes were identified. The four themes are: 1) Experiencing inadequate social support and networks, 2) Altering familial situations and relationships, 3) Deteriorating physical functions and mobility limitations, and 4) Suffering negative and complex emotional impacts.

CONCLUSIONS Various contributing and contextual factors might initiate older adults’ loneliness and social isolation. After understanding the lived experience of loneliness and social isolation among older adults locally, the government, non-governmental organizations, and healthcare institutions are recommended to establish appropriate strategies and integrated services to foster healthy aging and improve older adults’ lives, and support from families, and communities.