Are Older Adults Lonely? Elucidating Age Differences in the Relationship between Solitude and Well-Being
Funding Scheme
Early Career Scheme (RGC)
Funding Amount
HK$1,063,372
Awarded Year
2019
Increased solitude in the older adults does not always mean greater loneliness
One central puzzle in the literature on the psychology of ageing is how older adults can maintain a high level of well-being and a low level of loneliness despite experiencing three times as much solitude as younger adults in daily life. While solitude is typically associated with lower positive affect and higher negative affect, older adults show smaller declines. Socioemotional selectivity theory (SST) suggests this may stem from prioritizing emotionally meaningful goals as time horizons shrink. However, as prior studies are correlational and lack causal evidence, the mechanisms remain unclear. This project experimentally tests age differences in the impact of solitude and examines the mechanisms underlying those differences. The findings aim to clarify how goal prioritization can buffer solitude’s effects, advancing research into lifespan well-being.
Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. The research team contributes towards the following SDG(s):
Theoretically, these findings significantly advance the literature on solitude and well-being, providing empirical evidence for age-related differences in well-being during solitude and investigating the underlying mechanisms. Our experimental approach offers new insights into how age influences emotional experiences in solitude. Methodologically, we successfully apply solitude paradigms to older adults for the first time, demonstrating the effectiveness of these methods in increasing our understanding of emotional well-being across age groups. Practically, considering the high prevalence of solitude, our findings have implications for mental health interventions and support strategies aimed at older individuals, particularly in terms of enhancing their emotional well-being during solitary experiences.
Beneficiaries of this research include older adults who may gain improved mental health strategies aligned with their preferences; psychologists and gerontologists, who receive insights into aging and solitude; healthcare providers, who will be better equipped to design effective interventions; and policymakers, who may create age-friendly environments. Families and caregivers benefit by understanding when solitude is constructive rather than isolating. The research also impacts broader societal attitudes, reducing the stigma around ageing and solitude. The project’s interdisciplinary approach (combining psychology, physiology, and social science) encourages diverse application across healthcare, academia, and public policy.
Selected Publications
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