Recognising and responding to loneliness in older people.

Loneliness in older people is a critical public health challenge that affects millions of individuals globally. Older people may be more susceptible to loneliness due to factors such as leaving the workforce, chronic health problems, reduced mobility, and sensory impairments. Nurses play a crucial role in recognizing and intervening to mitigate loneliness in older people. A recent study highlighted the struggles of family caregivers in addressing loneliness among older adults with multiple health conditions. The findings emphasized the need for effective support strategies for both caregivers and older individuals. Addressing loneliness effectively requires improved awareness and the development of interventions to meet the social and relational needs of older people. By prioritizing the recognition and response to loneliness, nurses can significantly improve the well-being and quality of life for older individuals. [Extracted from the article]