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Background. China will inevitably enter a medium, severe, or deep aging society in the future, and the number of elderly people living alone is also increasing. Mental health is a major issue for older people living alone. With the deepening of aging, social participation has become an important way to promote mental health and improve the quality of life of the elderly. Methods. This study uses data from Chinese Longitudinal Health Longevity Survey (CLHLS). Based on the CLHLS data of 2018, this paper uses multiple ordered logistic models to measure the mental health level of elderly people living alone through two dimensions of depression and anxiety and carries out a heterogeneity analysis on the mental health level of elderly people living alone. Results. The analysis of 2477 elderly people living alone shows that the increase of social participation in simple communication can reduce the degree of depression and anxiety of elderly people living alone, and the decrease of social participation in self-recreation can reduce the degree of depression and anxiety of elderly people living alone. In addition, the heterogeneity analysis found that the heterogeneity of social participation was more significant among the elderly living alone with different genders, ages, places of residence, and self-care abilities. Limitations. This study has some limitations, and CES-D-10 is a screening tool and cannot fully determine the presence of depression in high-rise older adults living alone. Conclusions. In the future, primary healthcare-targeted interventions can be provided according to the different degrees of depression and anxiety of elderly people living alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loneliness is considered to be a global public health challenge, impacting a range of physical and mental health conditions. Social prescribing, whereby service users are signposted into community-based activities and social groups by a community link worker, has been suggested as one mechanism to reduce service users' loneliness and social isolation. This paper reflects on service users' experiences of accessing a national social prescribing scheme. Drawing on qualitative findings from interviews with service users who were receiving support through a social prescribing programme between October 2017 and December 2018 (n = 26, with n = 12 interviewed a second time), we reflect on their experiences of the programme. We consider some of the complexities of providing short-term support with a focus on signposting people into local activities, when many service users prefer the companionship of their link worker. Furthermore, we highlight some of the difficulties in ending short-term support. Crucially, we highlight the importance of considering the intersection of the social determinants of health. We suggest that social prescribing schemes may exacerbate inequalities if consideration is not given to the ways in which people are (dis)advantaged in accessing the social capital necessary for their initial and continued involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To review the prevalence of loneliness (during/after COVID-19) in older people. Design. Scoping review using Medline and PsycInfo for worldwide prevalence estimates (white published literature search) and Google for prevalence data inside the Euregio Meuse-Rhine (grey literature). Setting. Worldwide prevalence estimates and a focus on the Euregio Meuse-Rhine. Participants. Papers published between 2016 and 2022 and a mean age of minimum of 65 years. Measurements. Prevalence estimates for older people. Results. The white literature search yielded 37 articles. Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, loneliness estimates were the highest in Nigeria (46%) and the lowest in Australia (5%) (mean prevalence was 25.6%). Loneliness was reported to be higher in specific populations, for example, people living in specific communities such as senior housing communities or with impairments, than in the general population, with a mean prevalence estimate of 47.8%. During COVID-19, the prevalence of loneliness was higher than that before the pandemic: we observed a mean prevalence of 39.4%, in comparison to 25.6 before COVID-19. The grey literature search showed that, compared to Belgium and the Netherlands (13.5% and 36.5%, respectively), loneliness estimates were the lowest in Germany, with a mean prevalence of 7.7%. Conclusion. Large international differences in the prevalence of loneliness were observed between countries and populations studied. Several hypotheses could explain such differences, including sociocultural or historical-political characteristics. Without surprise, the pandemic and associated measures were linked to a higher level of loneliness. Furthermore, recommendations for addressing loneliness, including interventions, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active citizen participation in research is important to generate societal impact of outcomes. Even so, many times, the community input in these processes is limited or non-existent, and co-creation processes are often not documented. This paper describes a structured and systematised protocol to co-create a nature-based social prescribing intervention addressed to face loneliness in urban deprived neighbourhoods. As a result, a nature-based social prescription menu was co-developed with stakeholders from health, social prescription, nature, associative, and research sectors. The menu consists of open spaces and nature activities and will be offered to the participants of a randomised controlled trial to test actions for social prescribing in natural spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic pain is common in older people. However, little is known about how pain is experienced in residents of retirement villages ('villages'), and how pain intensity and associations are experienced in relation to characteristics of residents and village living. We thus aimed to examine pain levels, prevalence and associated factors in village residents. The current paper is a cross‐sectional analysis of baseline data from the 'Older People in Retirement Villages' study in Auckland, New Zealand. Between July 2016 and August 2018, 578 village residents were interviewed face‐to‐face by gerontology nurse specialists, using interRAI Community Health Assessment (CHA) and customised survey. We used a validated pain scale and multivariable logistic regression analyses adjusted for pre‐specified confounders. Residents' median age was 82 years; 420 (73%) were female; 270 (47%) exhibited/reported daily pain, and in 11% this was severe. After controlling for confounders, daily pain was positively associated with self‐reported arthritis (OR = 3.88, 95% CI = 2.57–5.87), poor/fair self‐reported health (OR = 3.19, 95% CI = 1.29–7.93), having no health clinic on‐site (OR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.10–2.83), and minimal fatigue (diminished energy but completes normal day‐to‐day activities) (OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.11–2.81). Similar associations were observed for levels of pain. We conclude that levels of pain and prevalence of daily pain are high in village residents. Self‐reported arthritis, self‐reported poor/fair health, no health clinic on‐site and minimal fatigue are all independently associated with a higher risk of daily pain and with levels of pain. This study suggests potential opportunities for villages to better provide on‐site support to decrease prevalence and severity of pain for their residents, and thus potentially increase wellbeing and quality‐of‐life, though as we cannot prove causality, more research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volunteer peer support is an approach that enables a supportive connection between volunteers and a sub‐set of community members with shared experiences or interests. To implement co‐designed strategies to support older women to maintain independence and optimise wellbeing in Australia, a volunteer peer support approach was proposed. There was limited literature describing volunteer peer support frameworks to underpin interventions of this kind; and given the increasing desire for engagement of individuals and communities, articulation of the key components of such a framework is warranted. In this paper, we define volunteers and peer support, and outline existing frameworks for volunteering and peer support. We then describe the volunteer peer support framework developed for this intervention, outlining the key requirements. This information will enable others to develop an effective and sustainable structure for peer support volunteer services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides an in-depth research analysis of occupational therapy strategies and psychological regulation of students' Internet addiction in the existing mobile social media environment. Based on the definition of Internet use peer pressure, a preliminary scale with 2 dimensions of specific behavioral pressure and psychological cognitive pressure was developed. First, a professor of mental health education and a master's degree student in mental health education were invited to rate the scale, while 47 junior high school students were selected to try the scale to ensure that the questions of the scale were clearly expressed. Secondly, 461 subjects were selected to take the initial test of the scale, and item tests and exploratory factor analysis were conducted to ensure that the structure of the scale was as expected and the scale was expressed to psychometric standards. Finally, 810 subjects were selected for the scale retest, and item analysis and validated factor analysis were conducted, and their results met the psychometric criteria. Student peer attachment significantly and positively predicted adolescent Internet addiction; Internet use peer pressure played an incomplete mediating role in the prediction of peer attachment to Internet addiction; loneliness played a moderating role in the pathway of peer attachment to Internet addiction, and loneliness also played a moderating role in the pathway of peer attachment to Internet use peer pressure. The attitude towards online games is entertainment to kill time, a tool to escape the pressure of study and to gain the fun of friends comparing with each other. The main online motivations of adolescents included individual and situational factors, and behaviors were characterized by pan-entertainment and gamification, mainly through mobile social networks to obtain external information and knowledge, maintain interpersonal relationships, and gain a sense of belonging; they were characterized by a fixation on time, space, and online content. The interaction of family members is more of a behavioral habit, and the communication habits and behavior patterns established in the family will influence the construction of children's relationships with others, while parents' head-down behavior will also influence children's attention to various needs of an Internet-dependent behavior problem, which in turn affects children's problem-solving and intimate relationships with family members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While much attention has been given to loneliness as a public health and societal problem less consideration has been given to men's experiences, particularly in later life, and there is a limited evidence based on what works with supporting older men to counteract the impact of loneliness on their mental and social wellbeing. In this paper, we focus on the experiences of older men living alone in the community. Between 2017–2018 72 men residing in England (65–95 years) took part in the study and shared their accounts of experiencing and addressing loneliness on an everyday basis. We generated qualitative data through semi‐structured interviews. Interview data were analysed thematically using the framework analysis approach. We present and discuss findings on the difficulties older men experience in responding to and discussing loneliness and the range of coping practices men applied within their home environments. Three core themes are presented: 1. Maintaining silence around loneliness and distress; 2. Getting on with it versus feeling stuck in loneliness and, 3. Temporary remedies and distractions from loneliness from within the home. Across men's accounts, 'the home' is constructed as a space of biographical connections with others as well as a restrictive environment of separation from others. In relation to help‐seeking and efforts to break silence surrounding loneliness, the findings speak to the ways in which masculinities and social expectations attached to male roles complicate older men's varying attempts at help‐seeking and underpin some of their everyday methods of coping with loneliness. The findings reiterate the importance of targeted individual support for older men, particularly for those feeling frozen in loneliness. Facilitators of group‐based support for older men need to recognise the different and potentially conflicting positions older male service users may adopt in relation to help‐seeking that are configured around masculine ideals but in diverging ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shortly after the COVID‐19 pandemic reached Aotearoa New Zealand, stringent lockdown measures lasting 7 weeks were introduced to manage community spread of the virus. This paper reports the findings of a qualitative study examining how lockdown measures impacted upon the lives of nurses, midwives and personal care assistants caring for community‐based patients during this time. The study involved nationwide surveys and in‐depth interviews with 15 registered nurses employed in community settings, two community midwives and five personal care assistants. During the lockdown, nurses, midwives and personal care assistants working in the community showed considerable courage in answering their 'call to duty' by taking on heightened care responsibilities and going 'the extra mile' to help others. They faced significant risks to personal and professional relationships when they were required to take on additional and complex responsibilities for community‐based patients. Despite the hypervigilant monitoring of their personal protective equipment (PPE), the need to safeguard family and community members generated considerable stress and anxiety. Many also faced personal isolation and loneliness as a result of lockdown restrictions. Moreover, the negative impacts of experiences during lockdown often continued to be felt once restrictions had been lifted, inflecting life during periods in which community transmission of COVID‐19 was not occurring. This article makes five core service delivery and policy recommendations for supporting community‐based nurses, midwives and personal care assistants in respiratory disease pandemics: acknowledging the crucial role played by community‐based carers and the associated stress and anxiety they endured by championing respect and compassion; demystifying the 'heroism' or 'self‐sacrifice' projected onto care workers; the timely provision of adequate protective equipment; improving remuneration, with adequate provision for time off; and regular counselling, peer support groups and education on work‐life balance delivered by support workers in recognition of stressors arising from these complex and isolated working conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current researchers carried out a large online survey on 18 March 2020 and unintentionally provided a 'snap shot' of how the British population was responding in the early stages of the Covid‐19 pandemic. This paper aims to investigate the relationship between loneliness and mental health at the early stages of the global crisis. This cross‐sectional study was carried out using Prolific, an online participant recruitment platform that allowed 1608 responses in just 2 hr. Participants completed measures of Personal Well‐being, Psychological Distress, Flourishing and Loneliness. Numerous associations between loneliness and mental health were found. A multiple regression found that 43% of the variance in loneliness can be accounted for by age, psychological distress and flourishing. Responses were also categorised into three groups: the non‐lonely (n = 311), averagely lonely (n = 1054) and the severely lonely (n = 243), with analysis indicating that poorer well‐being was associated with increased loneliness. Due to the cross sectional nature of this research, determining the direction of causality is not possible. It remains uncertain whether increased loneliness negatively impacted on mental health, whether poor mental health lead to increased loneliness, or both in fact. Current findings suggest that severely lonely individuals may be particularly vulnerable to psychological distress and that individuals with poor mental health may be especially prone to loneliness. Individuals experiencing loneliness and/or poor mental health will almost certainly need additional support during and beyond the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a global recognition that the homeless in different clusters are isolated social groups. They are highly susceptible to loneliness and related psycho‐physical health outcomes owing to their less supportive and fragmented social networks. The conditions are worse in the case of chronic or lifetime homelessness. Beyond this popular notion, other critical perspectives are also there. This paper attempts to analyse the differences in inter‐personal social networks between the chronic and the non‐chronic homeless groups at a railway junction in India. The data have been collected through structured and semi‐structured questionnaires from 28 homeless people (15 chronically and 13 non‐chronically homeless) of Burdwan Railway Junction – a vital railway junction of West Bengal, India. The chronically homeless group displays more supportive and compact inter‐personal networks in this study than the non‐chronic homeless group. Living in the station area for a long time, they have formed a society of their own. Barring some psychological stress and social abuse, the livelihood scenario of these people is relatively stress‐free and social networks relations are more intensive and supportive. Considering the outcomes, instead of the housing‐first approach of rehabilitation, we favour the development of community shelters with minimum basic amenities close to their present location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Informal caregiving for a person living with glioma can be both rewarding and multidimensionally challenging, given the potential for debilitating symptoms, cognitive impairment or personality changes, as early as diagnosis. There is growing evidence that, due to the demands of care, experiences and feelings of loneliness and isolation among informal caregivers are widespread, and opportunities for quality or meaningful social connectedness are lacking. While considerable research has quantified the causes and effects of loneliness and isolation in informal care contexts, the lived experience of loneliness has received relatively little attention. The aim of this study was to better understand the everyday experiences of a group of home‐based informal caregivers of people living with glioma in Queensland, Australia. Drawing on in‐depth interviews with 32 informal caregivers, purposively sampled, and recruited through a tertiary hospital, in this paper, we explore how the various experiences, demands, and social and relational dynamics in/of informal care (re)produce forms of isolation and loneliness. Using the framework approach to thematic analysis, we derived four themes: (a) the 'need' to be near the care recipient, and the implications for caregiver mobility; (b) the strong sense of responsibility for care, and the virtues of 'good' caring; (c) experiences of loneliness in the company of others and (d) postponement of social connection and minimising the self. The findings, we argue, are reflective of broader social and moral norms and expectations within experiences of home‐based informal care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of economy, politics, science, and technology and the improvement of living material level, people pay more attention to personal physical and mental development. The incidence of mental illness is on the rise. Psychological education curriculum learning and psychological counselling are based on communication; there are still many limitations. The art media enables patients to reveal their subconscious and potential emotional needs, so that interveners have the opportunity to explore these issues and build a bridge of communication with patients. In this paper, oil painting therapy of nonverbal communication is proposed as a way of psychological therapy. The patients in the psychological department of a hospital are served by six stages of therapy, each stage of treatment has different arrangements, and continuous service and treatment are adopted. Based on the art analysis principle of oil painting creation, the therapeutic experience obtained from oil painting creation and the experience gained from oil painting were divided into groups to compare the therapeutic effect and explore the role of oil painting art therapy. The results showed that the scores of the treatment group were significantly lower than those of the control group at 4 weeks and 6 weeks after the art therapy of oil painting creation, showing a significant downward trend overall. Oil painting art therapy may alleviate anxiety, providing data support for the application of oil painting art therapy in patients with depressive episodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of factors which influence health after a cardiovascular disease (CVD) event will assist with reducing the high health and economic burden of CVD. We undertook a systematic review to investigate the association between social health (lower social isolation, higher social support and lower loneliness) and health and well‐being after a CVD event among people living in Australia and New Zealand. Four electronic databases were systematically searched until June 2020. Two reviewers undertook title/abstract screen. One reviewer undertook full‐text screen and data extraction. A second author either independently extracted or checked data. Narrative thematic analysis was undertaken. Of the 752 unique records retrieved, 39 papers from 29 studies met our inclusion criteria. Included studies recruited between 10 and 1,455 participants, aged 12–96 years, and the majority were male. Greater social health was consistently associated with better mental health outcomes (lower depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms and psychological distress). Lower social isolation and higher social support were associated with the extent to which patient needs were being met. Living situation was not associated with mental health outcomes, and being married or living with someone was associated with greater medication adherence. Our systematic review demonstrates that greater social health is associated with better mental health outcomes and met patient needs among cardiac patients. As partner status and living status did not align with social isolation and social support findings in this review, we recommend they not be used as social health proxies when assessing health outcomes among CVD patients. Our review highlights the need for more research focused on women and the importance of gender‐disaggregated reporting. Further assessment is required to evaluate whether loneliness is associated with health and well‐being outcomes after a CVD event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community environments have the potential to alleviate loneliness and social isolation as they offer opportunity for sociality and to expand personal social network connections. Implementing a social network intervention in community environments to connect people to who are at risk of loneliness or social isolation could help alleviate these concerns. However, implementing interventions in community environments is made difficult by the interplay between the community context and intervention. Thus, to support implementation a detailed understanding of the types of community contexts is required. To examine the optimal factors that promote the implementation of a social network designed to alleviate loneliness and social isolation intervention in the community observations, interviews and documentary analysis were conducted. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and a typology of community contexts were used to inform the data analysis and interpret the findings. Key factors were found to affect the implementation of the intervention in the different community contexts. These inter‐related factors operated across three domains. Service User Needs affected intervention take up as its suitability varied. The stability of the workforce and nature of everyday work also impacted on implementation. Finally, the fluctuating capacity of organisations and the organisational culture were also influential. No single community environment was found to have all of the optimal factors required for implementation and sustainably. The UK policy agenda of austerity had negatively affected community environments' capacity to deliver such intervention through increasing service user needs and reducing available resources. Trial registration: ISRCTN19193075. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loneliness has long been a significant psychosocial problem for migrant children in urban China. In recent years, social changes and enhancements in social welfare equity have lessened the disadvantages faced by these migrant children. The current study investigated the time‐trend of loneliness levels among migrant children from 2006 to 2019. A literature search was performed within major Chinese‐ and English‐language databases, and studies that reported the means and standard deviations of Children's Loneliness Scale (CLS) scores among Chinese migrant children were included in this cross‐temporal meta‐analysis. Weighted linear regression was conducted to examine the trend of mean CLS scores over the survey year, and Cohen's d value was calculated to assess the magnitude of change. In total, 40 cross‐sectional studies conducted between 2006 and 2019 (published by 2022), consisting of 47 cohorts of migrant children and a total sample size of 17,090, were included. Overall, there was a significant downward trend between the survey year and mean CLS score (unstandardized coefficient [β] = −0.342, P < 0.001), and Cohen's d value of this decline from 2006 to 2019 was 0.411. Similar declining time‐trends were also observed among subgroups when broken down by sex, school type, and geographic regions (β = −0.182 to −0.589, P < 0.001, d = 0.222–0.719). The loneliness levels of migrant children in urban China decreased from 2006 to 2019. Nevertheless, sustained measures and inclusive policies are still needed to mitigate the loneliness levels of Chinese migrant children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loneliness research has tended to focus on mainstream and older populations despite evidence that non‐mainstream groups, like those experiencing homelessness, may experience loneliness differently. Limited existing research indicates that (a) people who have been homeless experience loneliness as multidimensional (as a pluralistic, non‐unidimensional emotion, experienced specific to lacked relationships) and (b) mainstream loneliness scales may be inappropriate for this group. The current study piloted and appraised the feasibility the short version of the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults (SELSA‐S) among 129 Australian adults with a lived experience of homelessness. Exploratory Factor Analysis and an observational questionnaire appraisal were used to assess factorial and content validity and showed the measure did not fit this sample as well as in mainstream samples. Removal of items that participants found difficult to comprehend/answer improved the factorial fit of the scale. In conclusion, the SELSA‐S may be inappropriate for measuring loneliness among people who have experienced homelessness. Further research needs to explore the potentially different structure of loneliness among marginalised groups so that a better understanding of loneliness can be reached. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. How geriatric care models impact the health‐related behaviors of the elderly and the function of social support within this context. Methods. We conducted binary logistic regression and PSM‐DID analyses using data from the China Tracking Survey of Factors Influencing Elderly Health (CLHLS) and the China Health and Aging Tracking Survey (CHARLS). Results. Compared to living alone, other aging models negatively affected health behaviors. In the living with family model, parental intergenerational support attenuated these effects, while children's financial support reduced negative impacts on health‐protective behaviors. In the institutional model, negative effects on health‐hazardous behaviors were exacerbated by emotional and social support. Loneliness and a lack of self‐worth were crucial pathways. Discussion. Governments should offer public services to alleviate the intergenerational support burden on older individuals and strengthen social support for them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's interconnected world, the widespread use of the Internet necessitates an understanding of factors influencing individuals' ability to maintain a balanced relationship with technology. This study investigates digital life balance (DLB) by examining its associations with Internet social capital (ISC), loneliness, fear of missing out (FoMO), and anxiety levels. Five hundred and twenty participants (66% women; M age = 30.12 years, SD = 12.46) took part in the data collection. Drawing upon the Psychology of Harmony and Harmonization framework, the study revealed negative correlations between DLB and ISC, loneliness, FoMO, and anxiety levels. Higher ISC was associated with lower DLB, suggesting that an extensive online network might lead to technological imbalance. Increased loneliness, FoMO, and anxiety were negatively associated with DLB, indicating possible disruptions between online and offline activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Increased life expectancy leads to consequent long-term care needs, where informal caregivers may experience overload and strain associated with caregiving, influencing the well-being and health of individuals and eventually leading to an effort to fulfill their role. Within this context, a condition called caregiver role strain has been identified. Objective. To investigate the clinical indicators of the nursing diagnosis caregiver role strain as described in the literature. Materials and Methods. This study is a systematic review of diagnostic accuracy conducted in October 2023, following the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute. The review protocol was registered and approved in the Prospective International Register of Systematic Reviews under registration number CRD42022377411. The QUADAS-2 tool was used to assess the risk of bias and quality of the studies. The databases included SciVerse Scopus (Elsevier), MEDLINE/PubMed (via National Library of Medicine), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), CINAHL with Full Text (EBSCO), and PsycINFO (APA), with 48 articles included for quantitative synthesis. Results. Fourteen defining characteristics were identified from the literature, with a predominance of the following indicators: depressive symptoms (45.8%), anxiety (41.6%), physical decline (31.2%), fatigue (22.9%), disturbed sleep pattern (20.8%), emotional disturbance, and irritability (16.6%). The findings suggest that, within the defined circumstances and limitations of the study, examining defining characteristics for the diagnosis caregiver role strain holds potential for advancing scientific knowledge regarding human responses to the challenges experienced by caregivers. Evidence for Practice. The study aligns with clinically relevant indicators crucial for refining and updating the diagnosis, thereby enhancing its level of evidence and clinical accuracy. Simultaneously, it supports addressing the gap in caregiver support and standardized nursing care plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly endangers the development of at-risk young adults across various life domains, with potential enduring consequences. Despite prior reporting on the pandemic's adverse effects on these individuals, there is a lack of the empirical literature regarding their resilience. Building upon the stress process model (Pearlin, 1978), we explored the challenges of 20 at-risk young adults (aged 18–25 years) and the strategies and resources they employed to cope with these challenges during this period. Thematic analysis revealed that these young adults struggled with worsened family relationships, loneliness, mental health issues, and setbacks in their quest for independence and autonomy. However, resources and character strengths that facilitated coping strategies during this period also emerged, specifically the motivation to become a role model within their family, personal abilities, and the use of formal and informal support. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Older people are one of the groups particularly vulnerable to loneliness due to factors such as deteriorating health, widowhood and death of friends/family, fewer confiding relationships, and being more likely to live alone. In the United Kingdom, services to alleviate and/or prevent loneliness can be classified as foundation services, direct interventions, gateway services, and structural enablers. Service managers and personnel involved in the delivery of interventions for older people are well-positioned to report on the mechanisms that contribute to the effectiveness of interventions. This study aimed to elicit from the perspective of a range of service providers, the barriers and facilitators of successful service provision, and the reduction of loneliness among older people. Methods. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 23 service managers of services providing an intervention to older people in Northern Ireland. Services were eligible for inclusion if they reported a goal of preventing or reducing loneliness and/or social isolation among older people. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Results. Eight themes were produced representing barriers or facilitators of successful service delivery, including characteristics of the service (person-centred approach, empowerment of service users and staff/volunteers, personal qualities of staff and volunteers, and funding for service provision) and characteristics of the wider community were services were located (hard to identify and/or reach lonely people; education and awareness of services; family and community structures; and accessible, affordable, and safe public transport). Conclusion. Developments in this area should prioritise integrated, systemic solutions that harness capacity and partnership working within communities, grounded in the principles of empowerment, inclusion, self-determination, and collective action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study explored cross-sectional associations between loneliness and occupational dysfunction in community-dwelling older adults. Seventy-four older adults (12 men and 62 women; mean age 73.9 ± 8.3 years) completed a questionnaire survey that included the Japanese version of the UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3 and the Classification and Assessment of Occupational Dysfunction (CAOD). Bayesian statistical modeling was used for a more stable estimation given the small sample. For model selection, we assumed a univariate analysis model of the CAOD (Model 1); a multivariate analysis model, including confounding factors in Model 1 (Model 2); and a multivariate analysis model, including random effects in Model 2 (Model 3). The best model was selected by comparing the widely applicable information criterion (WAIC) and the widely applicable Bayesian information criterion (WBIC) for each model. Bayesian statistics with the dependent variable as "loneliness" showed that the best model used "occupational dysfunction" as the independent variable and included confounding factors and random effects (WAIC = 474.5 and WBIC = 213.1). The best model identified an association between occupational dysfunction and loneliness (odds ratio OR = 2.363 ; 95% Bayesian confidence interval CI = 1.105 – 5.259). This study highlights the role of occupational dysfunction in addition to the risks and related factors reported to date when dealing with loneliness. Therapists could help older adults cope with loneliness by supporting their social participation and improving their occupational dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People experiencing homelessness can often have small and fragmented social networks, due to the loss and absence of critical connections, leaving them particularly susceptible to loneliness. During the course of homelessness, some people experience a changing profile of networks, transitioning away from family and some friends and forming new/substitute networks, such as service providers or pets. The resulting loneliness can have profound impacts on this group, threatening their physical and mental health and their ability to exit homelessness successfully. This study aimed to understand the social network characteristics and support associated with loneliness. MOS Social Support and social network questionnaire data from 124 participants (either currently or formerly homeless) were used in three hierarchical regression models to predict romantic, social, and family loneliness (SELSA-S), respectively. Findings suggested the more supportive, important, and (often) more satisfying that participants deemed current relationships to be, the lonelier they tended to feel. This occurred even if they were no longer homeless. These findings suggest that loneliness can operate differently in the context of poverty and homelessness. Whilst experiencing homelessness, people may prioritise relationships that provide resources and safety over those that assuage loneliness. Service providers can support people exiting homelessness to (re)connect with important and valued networks to reduce loneliness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the perception of family caregivers in the care process of patients with COVID-19. This study was conducted on 19 family caregivers, who were selected using purposive sampling from 2021 to 2022. Unstructured interviews were used to collect data. The data were analyzed using the Kyngas conventional content analysis approach. The analysis of data led to three main themes, including unremitting efforts in physical care in the light of traditional medicine, accuracy, and intelligence in psychological attention and trying to maintain environmental health. According to the results, family caregivers provide high levels of self-sacrificing, continuous, and comprehensive, combined with fear and loneliness care in different dimensions with little or no support from the family, community, and health team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the interaction of living alone and cognitive decline in relation to the well-being of older men and women. We analyzed the data from a cross-sectional, self-administered questionnaire survey of community-dwelling older adults in Tokyo, who were aged 65+ and not on long-term care. The questionnaire included the 10-item self-administered dementia checklist (SDC), the WHO-5 Well-Being Scale, a question on their living arrangement, and participants' baseline characteristics and social support and social contact. The analyses were stratified by sex and fitted with linear regression models with interaction. A total of 34,255 men and 41,056 women participated. Sample mean age was 73.5 (SD 6.1) for men and 73.6 (SD 6.0) for women, and 18.5% and 26.0% lived alone. The distribution of SDC scores indicated 95.9% and 97.0% had a cognitive status varying from intact to possible mild dementia. Cognitive decline showed a linear association with lower well-being in men (beta −0.53; 95% CI −0.58, −0.48; p < 0.001) and women (beta −0.38; 95% CI −0.42, −0.34; p < 0.001). Compared to men and women living with others, those living alone experienced lower well-being as their cognitive function declined, and the interactions (living arrangements ∗ SDC) were statistically significant. After controlling participants' characteristics and social support and social contact, the interaction was significant in men (p < 0.001) but not in women (p = 0.46). Our findings support that older men and women living alone experience a slightly steeper downward trajectory of cognitive decline and poor well-being than their counterparts living with others. The unequivocal effects of controlling confounding factors between men and women indicate the need for gendered countermeasures by welfare services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the complex associations among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) risk perception, social distancing, social connectedness, and loneliness, as well as the mediating effects of social distancing and social connectedness in these associations in younger, middle-aged, and older Korean adults. We used multigroup structural equation modeling to analyze the results of a cross-sectional survey of 2,400 Korean adults aged 20 years or older. We found statistically significant age group differences in the mean values of COVID-19 risk perception, social distancing, social connectedness, and loneliness. The younger group showed significant associations among all major variables in the structural equation model, while their older counterparts demonstrated a significant association between COVID-19 risk perception and loneliness. Social distancing and social connectedness mediated the effect of COVID-19 risk perception on loneliness only for the younger group. In addition, we found significant mediating effects of social connectedness on the association between COVID-19 risk perception and loneliness in the middle-aged and older groups. Our findings imply that social distancing and social connectedness have impacted Korean adults' mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Older people prefer to remain living in their own home for as long as possible; however, many require support to do so through health and other care services provided in the home. This study aimed to explore the trends in usage of a home-based care service by older people in metropolitan Melbourne and factors associated with unplanned hospitalisations. This longitudinal study analysed episodes of home-based care for people aged ≥65 years between 2006 and 2015. An episode of care was defined as the period of time during which the home care services were provided to the client. Care episodes culminated in a planned discharge from the service or an unplanned hospitalisation. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were utilised to investigate the characteristics associated with unplanned hospitalisations. Utilisation of home-based care services over the 10-year period showed an increasing rate of use by people aged ≥85 years and a reduced usage rate by females aged 70–84 years and males 75–79 years old. Of 170,001 episodes of care, 43,608 (25.7%) resulted in an unplanned hospitalisation. Home-based care delivered to people aged ≥85 years showed an increasing rate of episodes ending in an unplanned transfer to the hospital. Between 2006 and 2015, individuals aged 85–89 years displayed a rate increase of 18.7% in episodes ending in an unplanned hospitalisation; for those aged ≥90 years, the rate rise was 43.6%. Factors associated with an unplanned hospitalisation included advancing age, male gender, living alone, cognitive dysfunction, and the complexity of medical issues. Health policy has focussed on providing services to enable older people to remain in their own home. The increasing rate of unplanned hospitalisations for community-dwellers aged ≥85 years suggests more support is required to enable ageing in place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social isolation and loneliness are significant concerns in community dwelling older adults due to associated poorer health outcomes, inadequate crises responsiveness and increased societal burdens of care and cost. Generating Engagement in Networks Involvement (GENIE) is an online evidence‐based, client‐centred social network tool piloted by community‐aged care services in Sydney, Australia. GENIE facilitates access to community resources, activities and people to extend or re‐establish a client's social connections. This study aimed to identify GENIE's potential to maintain and promote social connections in older adults from the perspective of allied health professionals who could deliver GENIE. This qualitative exploratory study involved 33 participants on an emerging placement across two organisations who piloted GENIE. Data included consensus and priority statements produced from six nominal group technique‐facilitated discussions, and an inductive thematic analysis of student documentation and all consensus statements. The main findings indicated that participants prioritised GENIE's clinical advantages, implementation barriers and recommendations for future implementation. The inductive thematic analysis revealed the two themes of practice applications, and client and professional experiences when using GENIE. As a time‐efficient and personalised intervention, the research team concluded that GENIE could empower service providers to address the overarching needs of clients through rapidly connecting older adults to resources of their interests within the overburdened Australian‐aged care system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social prescribing (or community referral) is a model of healthcare designed to address social needs that contribute to poor health. At the heart of social prescribing programs is the link worker, who liaises between clients, health professionals and community organisations. Social prescribing is newly emerging in Australia but there are already calls for a large‐scale roll out. This research, therefore, aimed to understand Australian link workers' role and skills required, to determine where such a workforce could be drawn from in Australia, and to identify what training and resources are needed to support this potential new workforce. To explore these questions, interviews were conducted with 15 link workers in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, and the transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Participants were predominantly female (87%); and primarily had qualifications in social work (47%) or nursing (27%). Three overarching themes were identified: (1) skills of successful social prescribing, identifying that link work requires multifaceted social and emotional skills; (2) workforce issues, presenting that link workers experienced challenges such as a lack of available support and training, lack of public awareness of social prescribing and a lack of sustained funding; and (3) job fulfilment, related to link workers' sense of reward and accomplishment from the job. We suggest that fostering job fulfilment in conjunction with the provision of increased support, training and security will reduce feelings of overwork and burnout among link workers and likely lead to longevity in the role. Social prescribing has the potential to be hugely beneficial to clients and the community and fulfilling for link workers, provided that sufficient advocacy and resources are put in place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Men volunteering to mentor other men is a growing form of social engagement in Australia. Masculine norms associated with not disclosing emotional distress or discussing loneliness are often set aside by participating in these one‐to‐one relationships. Mentors have reported improvement in their well‐being and a desire to contribute more. In this phenomenological study, which draws on hermeneutic methodology, 12 men who voluntarily met and mentored another adult man for a minimum of 6 months participated in a semi‐structured interview. Findings showed non‐judgement and deep listening facilitated a rewarding and personally developmental relationship. Most voluntary mentors experienced substantial changes in their masculine views, particularly with the regard to trust and openness with others. This experience has implications for men realising their ability to engage others and for community well‐being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food insecurity and loneliness are shockingly large and growing problems in the older population in the U.S. and globally. Thus, the study's primary aim was to investigate the prevalence as well as the association between these two social determinants of health in the marginalised and often underserved population of older residents of urban subsidised housing (also referred to as social housing or affordable housing). Of particular interest was whether a greater sense of loneliness increases the risk of older residents being food insecure. The study uses survey data gathered through in‐person interviews conducted onsite in English or Spanish with 216 of the 300 older adults (72% response rate) living in a subsidised housing community in a central neighbourhood of a U.S. northeastern city. Amongst the 216 participants, 50% identified as Black and 45% identified as Latino. In addition to food insecurity and loneliness, the survey assessed participants' health, food access challenges, and sociodemographic characteristics. Results revealed a 34% food insecurity prevalence rate amongst the participants which is higher than the estimate of slightly less than 10% of the U.S. older population being food insecure. The participants' 34% loneliness rate was also higher than the 19%–29% prevalence range in U.S. older population studies. Bivariate analyses highlighted the interrelatedness or intertwining of food insecurity, loneliness, poor health and food access challenges whilst a series of logistic regressions further explored the significant association of loneliness with food insecurity. Loneliness increased the odds ratio of food insecurity in the binary (unadjusted) regression (p < 0.001, OR = 3.1) and the multivariate (adjusted) regression that included all covariates (p < 0.05, OR = 2.4). Overall, the findings underscore the need for greater awareness of loneliness as a public health threat as well as future research exploring how loneliness may intensify the health consequences of food insecurity in later life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender diverse people, and queer people (LGBTQ people) are at increased risk of some chronic diseases and cancers. NSW Health palliative care health policy prioritises equitable access to quality care, however, little is known about community members' perspectives on palliative care. This study aimed to understand LGBTQ community views and preferences in palliative care in NSW. A community survey and follow‐up interviews with LGBTQ people in NSW were conducted in mid‐2020. A total of 419 people responded to the survey, with 222 completing it. Six semi‐structured phone interviews were conducted with participants who volunteered for follow‐up. The sample included LGBTQ people with varied levels of experience in palliative care. Thematic analysis was conducted on survey and interview data, to identify perceived barriers and enablers, and situate these factors in the socio‐ecological model of health. Some perceived barriers from community members related to considering whether to be 'out' (i.e., making one's sexual orientation and gender known to services), knowledge and attitudes of staff, concern about potential substandard care or mistreatment (particularly for transgender health), decision making, biological family as a source of tension, and loneliness and isolation. Perceived enablers related to developing and distributing inclusive palliative care information, engaging with community(ies), fostering inclusive and non‐discriminatory service delivery, ensuring respectful approaches to person‐centred care, and staff training on and awareness building of LGBTQ needs and issues. Most of the participants who had experienced palliative care recounted positive interactions, however, we identified that LGBTQ people require better access to knowledgeable and supportive services. Palliative care information should be inclusive and services respectful and welcoming. Particular consideration should be given to how services respond to and engage with people from diverse population groups. These insights can support ongoing policy and service development activities to further enhance palliative care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social isolation is a well‐established determinant of late‐life well‐being, and it may be particularly relevant for older adults in Puerto Rico following Hurricane María. The abbreviated Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS‐6) is a widely used measure of social isolation, but it has not been validated with Spanish‐speaking older adults. The objectives of this study were to (1) assess the psychometric properties of a Spanish‐language LSNS‐6 and (2) examine its association with self‐rated health (SRH) and psychological sense of community (PSOC). Data came from face‐to‐face survey interviews with a nonprobability sample of 154 community‐dwelling older adults in Puerto Rico 2 years after Hurricane María. We assessed the LSNS‐6's internal consistency reliability and convergent validity. We then conducted structural equational modelling consisting of (1) a measurement model using confirmatory factor analysis to test the factor structure of the LSNS‐6 and (2) a structural model using path analysis to examine the direct effect of social isolation on SRH and to test the role of PSOC as a mediator in this relationship. The LSNS‐6 demonstrated acceptable internal consistency reliability (α = 0.74) and convergent validity, r(151) = −0.33, p < 0.001. A correlated two‐factor model (Family and Friends) provided the best fit (comparative fit index = 0.986, Tucker–Lewis index = 0.975, root mean square error of approximation = 0.082, standardised root mean squared residual = 0.033). Path model results show the Friends factor was negatively associated with SRH (β = −0.31, p = 0.045), whilst the Family factor was nonsignificant. The Friends factor had a statistically significant indirect effect on SRH through PSOC (β = 0.08, 95% CI [0.01, 0.29]). Our findings provide insight into the effect of social isolation on health amongst older adults in Puerto Rico and highlight the potential role of PSOC for assessment and intervention with older adults in post‐disaster settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

They are participating as a volunteer implies active personal positioning accompanying others. Evidence supports that experiences of those who experience an illness, who are hospitalised or feel lonely, impact the volunteers: positive emotions like engagement and Compassion Satisfaction (CS) or, the reverse, Compassion Fatigue (CF). Motivations help us understand why volunteers spend their time on these activities. And self‐care practices will be a challenge to counteract the exhausting emotions of volunteering. This research presents a mixed, exploratory and sequential design study on the island of Majorca (Spain). The first phase (n = 216) was quantitative, gathering data from November 2018 to April 2019. Then, the second phase (two focus groups) started with qualitative data collection (July 2019). Firstly, the study determines CS and work engagement levels and examines the relationship between self‐care, CF and motivations. Secondly, the study finds out how they recognise their positive and negative emotions, their relationship with self‐care and what motivates them to be volunteers. The results show that the volunteers report highly positive feelings associated with their volunteering (CS and engagement) and are backed up by a good level of personal Self‐Care. The Understanding and Enhancement motivational functions generate even more positive feelings for the volunteers themselves, who attach a positive value to their experience of caring for others. Despite the positive results collected, we must not ignore the phenomenon of CF in relational volunteering and pain support because it occurs. After all, that could lead to abandonment by volunteers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine whether older adults' financial status moderated the association between neighbourhood environment (i.e. physical and social environment) and loneliness among older adults in urban China. A cross‐sectional survey was collected from urban communities of Shanghai in mid‐2020. The final analytic sample was 459 older adults (age range = 60–91 years; proportion of women: 55.8%). Multiple group analysis was applied to test the hypothesised model. A measurement model of community social capital (i.e. cognitive and structural dimensions of social capital), a crucial indicator of neighbourhood social environment, was first established in both high‐income and low‐income groups. Factor loading invariance was established in these two groups. The results show that structural social capital (i.e. organisation memberships, volunteering, social participation and citizenship activities) was negatively associated with loneliness among older respondents from the high‐income group only, whereas better community security was significantly associated with lower levels of loneliness among low‐income older respondents only. The findings imply that both structural social capital and household income should be considered as important indicators in needs assessment among lonely older adults. Future social policies and interventions should pay attention to enhancing the role of both social and physical neighbourhood environment among older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID‐19 pandemic and its associated social and physical distancing restrictions may have had a severe impact on health. In the present study, we investigate the changes in physical, social and mental health, as well as the health literacy of Australians subsequent to the onset of COVID‐19 pandemic, and examine the influence of loneliness on these health‐related factors. Using a retrospective cross‐sectional study design, 607 Australian adults completed a self‐report online survey which assessed their health‐related factors before and after onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic (data collected between June 2020 to November 2020). Australians reported statistically significant increase in a number of (poorer) health‐related factors (e.g., weight gain, sleeping difficulties, poor somatic health, higher loneliness, more issues navigating the healthcare system) post onset of COVID‐19 pandemic. Further, after adjusting for covariates, higher loneliness during pandemic predicted poorer health‐related outcomes (e.g., more somatic health complaints, poorer quality of diet, poorer social support for health). The COVID‐19 pandemic and its associated social and physical distancing restrictions may have contributed towards poorer health‐related factors among Australian adults. Further, increased loneliness during the pandemic may have further worsened physical health and health literacy outcomes among Australians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In contemporary western cultures, such as Australia, there is increasing reported social disconnection. This disconnection is associated with loneliness and for some suicide, particularly for men. Voluntary male mentoring organisations aim to socially connect and improve men's wellbeing through facilitating men's one‐to‐one relationships. As is the case with most people, men value someone with whom they may communicate openly and safely, as occurs in voluntary mentoring. However, there is limited research on voluntary male mentoring or the experiences of the participants. This scoping review of the literature from voluntary adult male mentoring thematically synthesises the reported narratives from mentors. A systematic search was undertaken of five academic databases on voluntary adult male mentoring for scholarly articles in English. Additionally, the returned articles had their references reviewed for relevant authoritative reports and publications. After duplicates were removed, there were 471 publications. Sources included publications from humanities, social science, psychology and the health sciences. Once screened for eligibility this number was reduced to 29 publications. A thematic synthesis of the literature found the concepts of intentional relationship, journey and mutual growth were present. The implications of these findings are that men in community settings, informed by the experience of voluntary mentors, may be prepared to engage with other men. Additional research on the lived experience of mentors may offer further insights into facilitating male connection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social isolation has been associated with poor mental health outcomes, particularly for older immigrants who do not have a protective social environment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of social isolation (living alone, marginal family ties and marginal friend ties) with mental distress and to examine the moderating role of social cohesion (family cohesion and community cohesion). We hypothesised that social isolation and social cohesion would be directly associated with mental distress and that social cohesion would buffer the influence of social isolation on mental distress. Data were drawn from the Study of Older Korean Americans (SOKA), which included 2150 older Korean Americans aged 60 or over in multiple areas, collected during 2017–2018. A series of hierarchical regression models of mental distress examined the direct and interactive role of social isolation and social cohesion. Approximately one‐third of the sample lived alone, 20% had marginal family ties and 27% had marginal friend ties. All three indicators of social isolation had a significant direct effect on mental health; however, living alone lost its statistical significance with the inclusion of social cohesion variables. Both indicators of family and community cohesion were significantly associated with lower levels of mental distress. In addition, family cohesion buffered the negative effects of marginal ties to family and friends on mental distress. The significant role of a positive social environment must be considered when addressing the needs of older immigrants who are socially isolated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of the coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic on the lives of underserved populations are underexplored. This study aimed to identify the impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic and associated public health responses on the health and social well‐being, and food security of users of Housing First (HF) services in Toronto (Canada) during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic. This qualitative descriptive study was conducted from July to October 2020 in a subsample of 20 adults with a history of homelessness and serious mental disorders who were receiving HF services in Toronto. A semi‐structured interview guide was used to collect narrative data regarding health and social well‐being, food security and access to health, social and preventive services. A thematic analysis framework guided analyses and interpretation of the data. The COVID‐19 pandemic and response measures had a variable impact on the health, social well‐being and food security of participants. Around 40% of participants were minimally impacted by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Conversely, among the remaining participants (impacted group), some experienced onset of new mental health problems (anxiety, stress, paranoia) or exacerbation of pre‐existing mental disorders (depression, post‐traumatic stress disorder and obsessive‐compulsive disorder). They also struggled with isolation and loneliness and had limited leisure activities and access to food goods. The pandemic also contributed to disparities in accessing and receiving healthcare services and treatment continuity for non‐COVID‐19 health issues for the negatively impacted participants. Overall, most participants were able to adhere to COVID‐19 public health measures and get reliable information on COVID‐19 preventive measures facilitated by having access to the phone, internet and media devices and services. In conclusion, the COVID‐19 pandemic and associated response measures impacted the health, social well‐being, leisure and food security of people with experiences of homelessness and mental disorders who use supportive social and housing services in diverse ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the COVID‐19 outbreak, the British government introduced a lockdown resulting in country wide restrictions on movement and socialisation. This research sought to explore individuals' experience of the first lockdown in the UK. A qualitative online survey was conducted between April and June 2020. Using a convenience sample, 29 individuals participated in the study. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Four themes were identified: 'health and well‐being', 'social connectedness and belonging', 'employment and finances' and 'personal and collective values'. Participants' experiences involved both challenges and opportunities. Participants reported challenges to their physical health, mental health, sense of connection to others as well as their employment and finances. However, they also viewed the lockdown as an opportunity to reassess their goals and values, and define a 'new normal' for society. Lockdown restrictions threatened individuals' well‐being on many aspects of their lives. As anxiety, loneliness and a compromised grieving process may lead to severe mental health issues, early interventions are needed to prevent these and promote well‐being. Interventions may include traditional therapies (e.g. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), or focus specifically on developing social networks and social support (e.g. mutual help groups). These interventions may also be conducive to the experience of growth reported by some participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The study aimed to conceptually define "shame" within the field of nursing. Background: Many nurses sometimes experience and struggle with shame in their professional lives. It reduces their sense of self‐worth and hampers emotional well‐being and efficacy at work. Design: The conceptual analysis was performed using Walker and Avant's method. Data Sources: We searched using Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection databases for literature published between 1980 and 2020. Review Methods: We searched for keywords "shame," "nurse," and "nursing," with the condition that the keywords must be included in the title or abstract. Results: Shame in the nursing field was defined as a negative emotion, an experience of self‐blame and anger, an emotion accompanied by social anxiety, loneliness, and influenced by society and culture. Shame in the nursing field has three antecedents: negative evaluation, the involvement of others, and social and affiliated‐group norms. Consequences of shame in nursing include decreased senses of self‐esteem and self‐efficacy, escape through defense mechanisms, depressive states, and alleviation of distress through reaffirmation of self‐promotion and reflection leading to personal growth. Conclusions: We clarified the significance of self, others, others' evaluations, and differences in socio‐cultural contexts while defining shame. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Older adults are one of the most vulnerable populations requiring scientific, psychological, and clinical attention. Although several studies have explored psychoemotional needs in later life, one critical gap in the literature is a shortage of studies comprehensively reviewing negative emotional experiences and their antecedents associated with later life. Aim: This integrative review aims to identify negative emotional experiences during older adult years. Methods: This review of articles from Medline, CINAHL, Science Direct, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Taylor and Francis synthesized negative emotional experiences during older adult years. Across these six electronic databases, we searched and identified 17 relevant articles from 2005 to 2020 containing quantitative, qualitative, and mixed‐method studies. Results: Based on the review, we identified five negative emotions (sadness, anxiety, frustration, anger, and loneliness). These negative emotions were rooted in marital problems, separation from families, medical problems, physical functioning and disability, and financial limitations. Additionally, we identified common antecedents of negative emotions. Conclusion: At the center of numerous interventions, older adults are reinvigorated to understand the antecedents of negative emotions. The complex array of emotions, specifically regrets and frustration in later life, is depicted by more negativity than positivity. Such array of emotions could help develop strategies to prevent the causes of regret and frustration that nurses see when working with older adults in a clinical practice setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Through an evolutionary concept analysis, social isolation (SI) was defined as lack of social belonging and engagement with others, minimal number of social contacts, and insufficient quality relationships. This definition represents broader understanding of most contributing factors to SI and supports the concepts of reduced communication and socialization experienced during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The COVID‐19 pandemic served to heighten this problem, including communication challenges, and brought negative outcomes of SI to light. The overall research question examined the impact of communication challenges and SI on OAs with Alzheimer's disease, related dementias, and subjective cognitive changes (2020–2021). This scoping literature review was developed to compare the psychosocial and mental health of older adults between prepandemic and pandemic lockdown of 2020–2021. Design and Methods: This review followed the procedures for scoping review reporting as stated by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR). In collaboration with an expert scientific information specialist assigned to the college of nursing, the literature was queried through MEDLINE(R) and Epub Ahead of Print, In‐Process, In‐Data‐Review & Other Non‐Indexed Citations and Daily 1946 to September 02, 2021; APA PsycInfo 1806 to August Week 5 2021; and Embase Classic+Embase 1947 to 2021 September 02. Search terms included social isolation; nursing home; home for the aged; long‐term care; old age homes or convalescent home or nursing home; long‐term care, or long‐term care; aged or elders or seniors, dementia, Alzheimer's or dementia; osteoporosis; and fragility fracture. Findings: Quantitative data informed outcomes through increased depression and anxiety, higher rates of depression during the pandemic than prepandemic, and increased symptomology in neuropsychiatric profiles. Further, COVID19‐related restrictions, including impaired communication streams, seemed to be the origin of stress‐related cognitive changes and symptomology. Communication challenges in residents with dementia may lead to feelings of social isolation. Qualitative evidence supports that dementia has a social, psychological, material, and socio‐demographic impact. Further, the lockdown disrupted the existing flow of communication between all stakeholders and residents, resulting in heightened perceptions of SI and a profound sense of loss. Practice Implications: The results include a diverse and complex characterization of negative outcomes. Further, strong evidence indicates that communication and human contact can ameliorate negative outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the onset of the Covid‐19 pandemic, the UK, like many countries, has had restrictions on social contact, and injunctions of 'social distancing'. This study aimed to generate new insights into men's experiences of loneliness during the pandemic, and consider the ramifications of these for continued/future restrictions, the easing of restrictions, and the future beyond the pandemic. Twenty qualitative interviews were conducted with men between January and March 2021. A maximum variation purpose sample frame required at least three non‐white men, three LGBTQ+men, three men with a university education, three without a university education, three 18–30 years old, and three aged 60+. Thematic analysis, focused on semantic themes, was employed as part of a 'grounded' epistemology whereby the stated perspectives of the interviewees drove the content of the study. Seven themes were constructed: (i) lost and new activities and routines; (ii) remote social interaction; (iii) narrowed social spheres; (iv) rethought and renewed recognition of what is important; (v) loneliness with a purpose; (vi) anxiety of social contact; and (vii) easier for themselves than others. Lost routines, fewer meaningful activities, and a reduction in face‐to‐face interaction, were framed as challenges to preventing loneliness. Solo‐living gay men seemed particularly negatively affected. However, many men displayed new, more covid‐safe routines and activities. Remote forms of interaction were often utilised, and though they were imperfect, were constructed as worth engaging with, and held capacity for improvement. A moral need to reduce transmission of SARS‐COV‐2, and a fear of catching it, became important features of participants lives that also affected loneliness. Men at higher risk of health complications from Covid‐19 were particularly likely to highlight anxiety of social contact. Reducing restrictions alone may not return everyone to pre‐pandemic levels of loneliness, particularly if the pandemic remains a significant public health issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reduce the spread of COVID‐19, governments initiated lockdowns, limiting mobility and social interaction of populations. Lockdown is linked to health issues, yet the full impact on health remains unknown, particularly in more vulnerable groups. This study examined the impact on frailty and outcomes in high and low COVID‐19 risk older adults. We examined health‐related behaviours and support resources participants used during lockdown(s). Lockdown impacts in two countries were compared across four time points to examine impacts of different rules. We recruited 70 participants (aged >70 years) in England and Spain. Participants were allocated to higher or lower COVID‐19‐risk groups based on UK NHS guidelines. They completed assessments for frailty, quality‐of‐life, loneliness, exercise frequency and social interaction, coping resources and perception of age‐friendliness of their environment. The four assessments took place over a 7‐month period. Frailty was highest at Time 1 (most severe lockdown restrictions) and significantly higher in the Spanish group. It was lower at Time 3 (lowest restrictions), but did not continue to reduce for the English participants. Perceptions of the age friendliness of the environment matched these changes. Coping resources did not mitigate changes in frailty and outcomes over time, but more frequent physical activity predicted more reduction in frailty. Lockdown had a negative impact on frailty, increasing risk of adverse events for older people, but recovery once lockdowns are eased is evidenced. Further research is required to consider longer term impacts and methods to mitigate effects of lockdown on health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International students in the US occupy a precarious position at the intersection of immigration policy and global education mobility, one made more challenging by the disparate impact of COVID‐19 on college students' mental health. Few studies, however, have explored the pandemic's effects on mental well‐being among the international student population in the US. Our study aims to provide initial empirical evidence on the mental health status of these students, with a specific focus on discrimination, loneliness, anxiety, and depression. We propose a mediation framework and estimate the mediating effects of loneliness and anxiety in the relationships between discrimination and depression in a sample of US‐based international students (N = 103). We collected cross‐sectional data from July to August 2020, using a 50‐item online survey instrument with three open‐ended questions. Mediation analyses using PROCESS Macro were used to analyse quantitative data and thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. Findings showed that higher levels of discrimination were significantly associated with higher levels of loneliness. Higher levels of loneliness were significantly associated with higher levels of anxiety, which in turn led to high levels of depressive symptoms. Our study contributes to understanding the needs and capacities of international students in the wake of COVID‐19 and simultaneously provides pragmatic program and policy implications for inclusive higher education environments and the overall health and well‐being of this crucial US student population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Informal caregivers are key players in maintaining chronically ill patients at home but often experience negative consequences such as informal caregiver burnout. The processes by which determinants related to informal care and their personal and social resources affect the caregiver's risk of burnout remains little investigated. Recent theoretical works have suggested that two mediators could play an important role in understanding how these risks and resources influence informal caregiver burnout: by deteriorating how they view their role (caregiving appraisal) and by weakening the relationship with the care‐recipient (relationship quality). The present study aimed at exploring the impact of the care‐recipient's dependency (WHODAS), the caregiver's emotional intelligence (TEIQue‐SF), and loneliness (UCLALS) on informal caregiver burnout (MBI‐ICg). This association was explored both directly and through the mediation of caregiving appraisal (measured by subjective burden, ZBI) and relationship quality. To do so, a sample of 444 French‐speaking informal caregivers completed online questionnaires from November 2017 to August 2018. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was performed to test the mediation model. As a result, the caregiving appraisal appears as a key mediator between determinants and informal caregiver burnout, whereas the relationship quality had a lower predictive value. Among the determinants, emotional intelligence was the strongest protective factor and the care‐recipient's dependency was the strongest risk factor. But beyond this association, the perception informal caregivers have of their role (their caregiving appraisal) is a key mediator between these determinants and informal caregiver burnout, which emphasizes the importance of subjectivity in building risk and protective profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meals on Wheels (MoWs), a service offered by local authorities in England, deliver meals to older, housebound and/or vulnerable adults, who might otherwise not be able to acquire and prepare their own meals. Research suggests that MoWs provide benefits beyond nutrition. Little is known about the actual interactions between service providers and clients, particularly during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The aim of this small‐scale, formative study was to explore MoWs service providers' experiences and their perceptions around the benefits and challenges faced by the service, and understand how these experiences changed during the first UK national lockdown. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted in September 2020 with 18 service providers of MoWs (drivers who deliver the meals, service coordinators and managers) in two local authorities in England, and analysed thematically. Participants indicated that benefits of the service encompassed those to clients (e.g. welfare checks, encouraging independence and identifying and addressing isolation and loneliness), employees (e.g. sense of pride, rewarding relationships with clients) and the wider community (e.g. reducing pressures on families), and described MoWs as the 'fourth emergency service' (e.g. being the first responders to emergency situations). Participants identified several challenges faced by the MoWs service, including organisational challenges (e.g. funding cuts and closures, lack of appropriate publicity to raise awareness of the service) and restrictions on time spent with clients. The pandemic and lockdown resulted in increased demand on resources, concerns about client and staff wellbeing and uncertainty about how the service will cope if lockdowns continue. These findings provide important insights regarding the wide benefits of MoWs and the challenges the service faces, which can be used as the formative research base to guide future interventions and policies to protect vulnerable adults, not only during the COVID‐19 pandemic, but beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to analyse the effectiveness of a psychosocial intervention programme in preventing loneliness and increasing self‐efficacy and social participation among older women living alone in Spain. A sequential, nested experimental design was used, with a primary quantitative quasi‐experimental pre‐post study with a control group (CG) and a secondary qualitative study. A total of 48 women participated, and 34 of them (the experimental group, EG) received a 25‐hour psychosocial support intervention delivered by volunteers who focused on three aspects: conversation, attribution retraining and behavioural activation. The other women remained on the waiting list (CG = 14). The women (EG and CG) were all interviewed before and after the intervention and a follow‐up of the EG was performed at 6 months (N = 25). Semi‐structured interviews were used to collect sociodemographic and health‐related data, as well as data on satisfaction with the programme and its benefits. Validated instruments were used to collect data on the dependent variables (self‐efficacy in ageing, subjective social participation and loneliness). Quantitative and qualitative methods were used for data analysis. Compared to the pre‐test results, women in the EG improved their self‐efficacy in ageing (t‐test: −2.246; p: 0.031; d: 0.30), and, more specifically, their self‐efficacy in managing socio‐emotional problems such as loneliness (t‐test: −1.995; p: 0.054; d: 0.25) and in managing their health (t‐test: −2.450; p: 0.020; d: 0.47). No significant differences were observed between the follow‐up and the post‐test results, meaning that the changes identified after the intervention remained stable. Four additional categories of benefits were identified in the participants' discourses. In conclusion, the intervention appears to be beneficial and effective in improving self‐efficacy, which is a well‐established predictor of loneliness in old age, in a group of vulnerable individuals. Further studies on this type of community intervention are necessary to prevent loneliness among older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]