Is loneliness in later life a self-fulfilling prophecy?

摘要: Objectives: There are many stereotypes about ageing and later life. We looked at the association between expectations stereotyping of loneliness in old age actual self-reported status 8 years English Longitudinal Study Ageing (ELSA). Method: Data from 4465 ELSA core members aged over 50 who responded to Waves 2 (2004) did not report Wave 2, questions least once 3 6 (2006–2012) were used multivariable repeated measures logit regression analysis estimate relationship perceived expectation older reported within follow-up. Results: Twenty-four per cent respondents analytical sample agreed that is time 33% expected be lonely age. Loneliness was by 11.5% 3–6. Both significantly associated with (OR 2.65 (95% CI 2.05–3.42) for 2.98 2.33–3.75) age-sex adjusted analysis). variables predicted future even when socio-demographic circumstances taken into account both mutually although effect reduced (OR's 1.53 1.16–2.01) 2.38 1.84–3.07) expectations). Conclusions: Stereotypes related later. Interventions aimed changing age-related population may have more impact on reducing than individually based services.