Study On The Relationship Between Loneliness And Life Satisfaction Among Old Adults In Shandong Province

BackgroundWith the rapid development of economy,the extension of life expectancy and the decline of fertility rate,China has entered an aging society at the end of the 20th century.Loneliness has become one of the most common psychological problems among older adults because of the transformation of traditional family structure,the death of spouses and relatives,the urbanization and population migration.As a negative emotional experience,loneliness has a great impact on individuals' health.It is an important risk factor leading to depression,suicide,cognitive decline,and increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases.It not only brings physical,psychological and spiritual harm,but also has a significant impact on the quality of life and happiness.Therefore,it is of vital significance to focus on this vulnerable group and to study the relationship between loneliness and life satisfaction among older adults.ObjectivesThis study aims to find out the current situation of loneliness and analyze its potential risk factors.Besides,we try to understand the status quo of life satisfaction its possible influencing factors.Moreover,this paper explores the relationship between loneliness and life satisfaction among old adults in Shandong Province,analyses the possible moderating effect of self-efficacy.On this basis,relevant recommendations are made as reference to decrease loneliness and improve life satisfaction among old adults in Shandong province.MethodsA total of 7070 old adults were selected from a cross-sectional study conducted in 18 urban communities and 18 villages in Shandong province.Data were collected by using the self-designed questionnaire,the 6-item shortened version of the University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale(ULS-6),the Chinese version of General Self-Efficacy Scale(GSES),and the Satisfaction with Life Scale(SWLS).EpiData was used for data entry,SPSS 24.0 was used for data analyses.T-test and ANOVA were used for univariate analyses.Multiple linear regressions with an enter method were conducted to find out the potential risk factors.Pearson correlation test and hierar-chical multivariate regression analyses were conducted to explore the relationship between loneliness and life satisfaction,and investigate the potential moderating effects of self-efficacy.ResultsThis study found that urban and rural,age,marital status,educational level,drink alcohol,physical exercise,the regularity of meals,self-reported health,daily activity ability,chronic diseases,personal annual income,self-reported economic status,savings,arrears,poverty or low security have significant effects on loneliness among the elderly(P<0.05).The old adults who live in rural area,with older age,have a spouse,do regular physical exercise,have better self-rated health,have higher incomes and have better economic condition,with savings,have no arrears,and are not poor or low-income have the higher life satisfaction(P<0.05).There was a significant negative association between loneliness and life satisfaction(r=-0.338,P<0.01,B=-0.336,P<0.05).General self-efficacy has a significant moderating effect on the relationship between loneliness and life satisfaction(?R2=0.008,?F=74.786,P<0.01).ConclusionThe study indicated that loneliness and life satisfaction were significantly related.Moreover,self-efficacy moderated the relationship between loneliness and satisfaction.To reduce the level of loneliness and improve the life satisfaction,following measures should be taken:(1)Pay attention to the situation of loneliness of the elderly,actively carry out propaganda and prevention work;(2)Organize activities to strengthen the connection between the elderly and the outside world,and reduce the incidence of loneliness;(3)Establish a special support system for the poor elderly,Improve the life satisfaction of poor groups;(4)Establish a sound old-age security system to meet the needs of the elderly and improve the quality of life...