Loneliness tied to death ideation in older adults, study finds

Loneliness tied to death ideation in older adults, study finds
McKnight's Long-Term Care News; by Kristen Fischer; 8/29/24
A new study explored the relationship between loneliness, suicidal thoughts and death ideation in older adults. Overall, feeling lonely was linked with thoughts of wanting to die, according to the results... The researchers found that the subjective feeling of loneliness was more strongly linked with death ideation than with other measures of social disconnection, such as living alone or being socially isolated. The association between loneliness and a wish to die remained strong after the team controlled for depression and other markers of social disconnection. Regular attendance at religious services and other communal activities helped lower death ideation among the adults. Cognitive-behavioral therapy targeting depression and anxiety may also reduce the impact of loneliness.
Publisher's note: It is difficult to underestimate the impact of loneliness and social disconnection. This article and study provide interesting implications for hospice patients and those who love them.